The dramatic growth in tourism over the past years is straining the resources and strength of the volunteer Search and Rescue teams. Smári Sigurðsson, the chairman of Iceland Search and Rescue tells local newspaper Fréttablaðið that the teams are considering whether to begin charging travellers for more of their services.
All volunteers, funded by donations
In 2014 the Icelandic Search and Rescue teams received twice as many distress calls as they did in 2013. The Search and Rescue teams are manned by volunteers who participate in rescue operations in their spare time or get time off from their employers. The operations of the Search and rescue teams are funded primarily by public donations. The teams also sell new year’s fireworks.
Smári Sigurðsson doubts the Search and Rescue teams can continue to operate as they have in the past.
These teams have seeing significant cost increases. Even if the members are all volunteers, there are limits to what their employers and families are willing to tolerate. So, the question arises whether these teams should sell their neighbours more fireworks or ask them for more donations. But I think we have reached the limit.
Fees for assistance and/or more education
One solution, Smári points out, is to charge more travellers for the services of the teams. Currently the teams charge for assisting people who are driving on closed roads. Similarly, travellers who have requested assistance, although not being in actual or immediate distress.
It makes absolutely no sense that we are venturing into the highlands with large groups and equipment to pick up some people who have given up on some hike, Smári tells Fréttablaðið.
Still, Smári argues the most effective solution to the problem is to reduce the number of distress calls by educating travellers on the dangers and challenges involved in travelling in Iceland.
Search and Rescue should be there for genuine emergencies
The Search and Rescue teams are funded by local donations and manned by people who are donating their free time. They are there to assist any traveller in an emergency or in need for assistance. However, they should not be not treated as some complementary amenity to be abused. Prepare well before you travel, and always respect instructions and travel advice.
And remember: Roads which are closed are closed for a reason!
For tips on how to travel in the highlands go to safetravel.is, which is operated by Iceland Search and Travel.
Up to date information on conditions along highland roads is found at the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
The dramatic growth in tourism over the past years is straining the resources and strength of the volunteer Search and Rescue teams. Smári Sigurðsson, the chairman of Iceland Search and Rescue tells local newspaper Fréttablaðið that the teams are considering whether to begin charging travellers for more of their services.
All volunteers, funded by donations
In 2014 the Icelandic Search and Rescue teams received twice as many distress calls as they did in 2013. The Search and Rescue teams are manned by volunteers who participate in rescue operations in their spare time or get time off from their employers. The operations of the Search and rescue teams are funded primarily by public donations. The teams also sell new year’s fireworks.
Smári Sigurðsson doubts the Search and Rescue teams can continue to operate as they have in the past.
These teams have seeing significant cost increases. Even if the members are all volunteers, there are limits to what their employers and families are willing to tolerate. So, the question arises whether these teams should sell their neighbours more fireworks or ask them for more donations. But I think we have reached the limit.
Fees for assistance and/or more education
One solution, Smári points out, is to charge more travellers for the services of the teams. Currently the teams charge for assisting people who are driving on closed roads. Similarly, travellers who have requested assistance, although not being in actual or immediate distress.
It makes absolutely no sense that we are venturing into the highlands with large groups and equipment to pick up some people who have given up on some hike, Smári tells Fréttablaðið.
Still, Smári argues the most effective solution to the problem is to reduce the number of distress calls by educating travellers on the dangers and challenges involved in travelling in Iceland.
Search and Rescue should be there for genuine emergencies
The Search and Rescue teams are funded by local donations and manned by people who are donating their free time. They are there to assist any traveller in an emergency or in need for assistance. However, they should not be not treated as some complementary amenity to be abused. Prepare well before you travel, and always respect instructions and travel advice.
And remember: Roads which are closed are closed for a reason!
For tips on how to travel in the highlands go to safetravel.is, which is operated by Iceland Search and Travel.
Up to date information on conditions along highland roads is found at the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
