Official Statement from Foothills Search and Rescue regarding COVID -19
With current information from the Federal and Provincial Governments warning people to stay inside during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and seeing a large number of people not maintaining best practice in safety and social/physical distancing in the outdoors this past weekend, Foothills Search and Rescue is urging members of the public to stay extra safe during this time by remaining at home as much as possible.
Please be aware:
Kananaskis Parks have closed all Visitor Centers, Toilets, Picnic Shelters, Warm Up Huts, Playgrounds and Winter Camping Areas.
Parks Canada has closed Visitor Access as of midnight Wednesday March 25, 2020 to all Parks and Historic Sites.
If you absolutely must go out, please keep the following things in mind:
- Stay within areas that you know and will be uncrowded. Locations such as West Bragg Creek and Elbow Falls should be avoided.
- This is not the time to head out on unknown trails and at this time we heavily discourage any back country activities.
- Let someone know where you will be going and use an app such as the Adventure Smart Trip planning app, available for free on iTunes and Google Play.
- Carry a personal safety beacon such as SPOT or InReach. Your cellphone may not have a connection.
- Maintain Social/Physical Distancing protocols on trails and in parking areas as well as proper hygiene.
- Know the weather potentials for the day.
- Bring with you The 10 Essentials as well as extra winter gear.
- Be Bear Aware, Hibernation time is quickly coming to an end.
Foothills Search and Rescue is currently fully operational and is here to assist our community in every way possible.
In the event of an incident please inform 911 if you may have been exposed to or have any symptoms related to COVID-19 exposure. We have limited supplies of Personal Protective Equipment to keep our members safe and every interaction is an opportunity for continued transmission of COVID-19.
Foothills Search and Rescue is looking for everyone’s cooperation in these unprecedented times and officially requesting that people stay home and off of the trails for the foreseeable future. There is no need to be adding to our already strained Healthcare system when it can be easily avoided.
Thank you for your attention and compliance.
Chris Spavor
President
Foothills Search and Rescue
Foothills Search and Rescue 