Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR)

A search and rescue team member in an orange jacket and red helmet rope walking out of our canyon.

NPS

What is Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Anyway?

Every year, dozens of visitors are rescued from Little River Canyon for various reasons. Some cliff-jump into unsafe waters where hazards lurk beneath the surface, such as rocks, or into rapid currents, some hike away from official trails and get lost, some drown, and others have gotten injured while recreating in the river or canyon. Occasionally, a visitor may even die. But what happens when these unfortunate incidents occur?

A team of professionals respond to the call, all trained and highly skilled, some even volunteering their personal time to help in any weather condition to rescue a visitor in an unsafe condition. These are Search and Rescue (SAR) missions and can be dangerous for the visitor and the SAR response team, and can be quite expensive, too. Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) aims to reduce SAR missions through preparation, education, and information.

PSAR is a growing area that is encouraged and necessary out in wilderness areas nation-wide. Little River Canyon National Preserve is adopting and adapting PSAR to benefit our Preserve and our visitors. While we are building up our Preventive Search and Rescue plan to make our beautiful park the safest it can be, part of the responsibility falls onto you, as the visitor.

Here is what you can do to engage in PSAR!

 

Hike Smart- Be PREPARED

Plan how long your hike is.
Research the trail(s) you plan on hiking beforehand and note the length, grade, and terrain. You can find a list here for the hiking trails at Little River Canyon National Preserve. If the trail is longer or more challenging, make sure to take that into account while packing supplies that are important for the trip. A harder trail means an increased need for water, food, and rest.

Remember to bring food and hydrate.
Water is vital while out in the river and canyon, regardless of where in the preserve you may find yourself. Bring plenty of water for the entire day because being out in the elements requires rehydration. Food is something that needs to be on hand, as well, to replenish energy after a challenging hike or a long day in the water. Saltier snacks are great for your energy levels and muscle strength while hiking as they replenish electrolytes and can help maintain hydration.

Establish an emergency action plan.
Sometimes things go wrong, despite all the planning and preparation that may have gone into your trip into our canyon. Before beginning your adventure here at Little River, make sure you leave a detailed list of where you are going and what you are doing with someone you are in close contact with. Also make sure to have a way to communicate for help, if needed, as cell service can be spotty in our canyon and in our back country. First aid kits are highly encouraged.

Pack the right gear for your day.
If your day consists of being outdoors, check the weather beforehand to plan for the day. If it’s raining, pack an umbrella. If it’s sunny, pack some sunscreen and hats. Bug spray is highly encouraged while in our backcountry, while hiking, or in the canyon as we do have a variety of biting insects, most notably ticks. You can find information about the ticks of Little River Canyon here. Make sure to have essentials for your activities, including but not limited to first aid kits, personal flotation devices, water, food, flashlights, a map or knowledge of the area, a sufficiently charged communication device, and bug spray.

Allow time for rest and recovery.
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming- all of these physical activities are very draining and can be quite the workout. If you aren’t careful, exhaustion and fatigue might sneak in and cause injury. We want to prevent this! If there are any symptoms of nausea, dizziness, imbalance, heavy breathing, inability to catch one’s breath, tiredness, and/or cramping, please make sure to rest. Rest until you feel up for continuing, as pushing past your physical ability/limit may cause need for a search and rescue mission.

Ready for changes in the weather forecast.
Alabama has very unpredictable weather, especially during the summer. Rain can appear out of nowhere, pouring intimidatingly hard. Even looking at the weather forecast may not be enough, as it can change so quickly and unexpectedly. Checking the radar constantly is encouraged and be prepared in case the weather switches up without notice. Maybe pack an umbrella, just in case, or some extra dry clothes to change into. Look into a safe storage spot for your phone or other communication device so that rain may not damage it.

Engage in and observe your surroundings.
Look where you are going! Stay on the designated, marked trail and don’t venture off. Any pig trails are not maintained by the National Park Service and are therefore deemed unsafe by our safety standards. The terrain may be dangerous, foliage overgrown in its natural state, wildlife amuck, and the path may not be leading to whatever destination you could be trying to reach. Official trails are maintained and marked, and the destination is confirmed by the National Park Service.

Furthermore, look up while you hike. Our backcountry has a growing black bear population, here is what to do if you encounter one on your journey. Our preserve is also home to venomous snakes and an abundance of critters. Being aware of what is in front of you and behind you is important to ensure safe travels and to avoid any unwanted hazards.

Dress appropriately for your hike.
Inappropriate clothing and shoes are a constant recurring issue that our visitors run into. Recommended clothing includes comfortable shorts or pants, a full shirt that doesn’t limit mobility, and any weather permitting accessories (i.e., a hat, rain jacket, wind breaker, umbrella, etc.) Recommended footwear includes hiking boots or tennis shoes with socks. Close-toed, close-heeled, and comfortable shoes are encouraged. Inappropriate footwear includes flip flops, sandals, slides, and heels.

Clothing and footwear choices are important to provide a barrier between you and nature. Full clothing can help prevent insect bites, foliage scratches, scrapes from falling, sunburn, and protect against the weather conditions. Close-toed and close-heeled shoes can provide your feet with more stability and can work to prevent ankle and knee injuries from a lack of support, provides a better grip on the terrain, aids in arch support, and can protect your feet from the outdoor elements. It's better to hike and travel in the canyon or on the trails in hiking boots or tennis shoes, and then bring a change of shoes for water activities.