An increase in accidents has characterized this year's rock climbing season. The most recent accident occurred on Longs Peak last Saturday. A local Broomfield man died after falling nearly 1,000 feet while climbing with two friends. This is part of a growing trend in the Rocky Mountain region. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office has responded to over 130 calls this year, nine of which were rock climbing accidents.
The Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, a volunteer organization in Boulder County, gets dispatched to every rescue mission, no matter how severe. Volunteer Kevin Harner says he thinks he knows why there have been more accidents this year. "It's not necessarily experienced rock climbers, it may be somebody just scrambling, not using a rope or harness or climbing shoes, any equipment."
John Lowe, a trauma nurse from Denver, frequently climbs in Boulder Canyon and never worried about accidents until recently. However, now he makes sure everyone in his group is climbing safely. "I have whoever I'm climbing with double check me. That way, I don't trust myself, but I don't trust them, but I'll trust both of us together."Harner and Lowe see first hand the consequences of unsafe and unprepared rock climbing. "Fairly simple stuff. People out hiking a trail and twist a knee or ankle...up to severe injuries or sometimes fatal injuries," said Harner.
So what should anyone heading outdoors do in preparation? "We would like to have them tell a friend or family member where they're going and when they expect to be back," said Boulder County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Sergeant Dave Booton. "So if something does happen, we have a starting place [for our rescue] to start from."
If you are not ready to tackle Boulder Canyon or any other mountain in the area, Harner offers suggestions to gain experience. "For the CU students, there's good access to some good programs on the campus through the rec center and the student clubs."
The CU rec center offers beginning climbing lessons for $35.
LINKS TO RELATED SUBJECTS:
Rise in 14er deaths
Why 10 climbers have died
Rocky Mountain Rescue Group
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