I sure as hell hope these cave explorers have to pay the entire cost of their rescue!

Why did it take 60 rescue personnel?? They knew exactly where they were; inside a small cave...??

The same goes for you if you ever need their help for any reason twinbell! Just think what it will cost you if you're ever in need for any reason.

Thanks to all taxpayers for any funding you provide for SAR operations in BC and around the world.

People like twinbell can get out on their own I suppose.

The reason people aren't charged for rescues, is if that potential exists, the concern is people wouldn't call for help, but instead try and rescue themselves, and by the time they realize they can't, they may be too far gone to save. I've done rescue work and to me the reward has always been helping a person off the mountain safely and getting them in the hands of BC Ambulance.

Even the most experienced adventurist will
need help at some time. Thank the good people at SAR, RCMP & others that donate their time & resources to assist & aid.
This certainly is a thorny issue that
polarizes opinion. I'm a firm believer in
personal responsibility, that we as users of the backcountry should be as safe as possible, however...Sh*t happens. Even the
most carefully laid plans can go wrong.
Inclement weather, animals, even small
mistakes can & will be compounded in an
unforgiving environment. That is why we
have emergency preparedness people on hand.
One idea I heard years ago I think has merit. Put a surcharge on all high end back country equipment ie; climbing gear,
backcountry ski & snowboard equipment,
snowmobiles that are designed for mountain
riding. Put that surcharge into a fund that will help defray the cost of rescue.
Great job to all the combined SARs, Alpine Club, RCMP & others. I sleep better at night knowing there is a well trained safety net out there willing to drop every
thing at a moments notice to help.

Twinbell91 I am interested in what you or any of your family members would do if in a jam. Do you know there is a whole outdoor industry and taxes are paid in that industry. Are you suggesting to shut down the outdoors? No one allowed in. No outdoor tourisim industry so no employment or money made off that industry.

Ya for all you that think they should fit the bill. Why dont you get off your stupid computer for a change and get out and explore around prince george. Man people dont realize how great of terrain we have in our own backyard. I think they did a great job saving those guys. I think its the 7th longest cave in canada if im not mistaken.

I've no problem with the money spent on a rescue like this. It sounds like it was a legitmate accident and not something akin to a snowmobiler riding up a mountain in the middle of an avalance warning or a skier going out of bounds right beside the sign warning them not to.

Big difference between those situations IMHO.

You just gotta love those that think there should only be certain reasons people get to use SAR.
When it's your turn do I get to decide if you're going to benefit from SAR or not.

SAR are there for the benefit of everyone for any reason. If you don't like that fact then move to China or some other country that thinks like you do!

Goog work and thanks to a very commited bunch of volunteers. I hate caves--specially that one. It's a damn good thing some folks will get out there and help the best they can.

Personally, I think SAR should be available for everyone in every situation, unless of course the attempted rescue is too dangerous to attempt. In cases where your rescue is a result of your own gross negligence ( a relatively high threshold to establish by the way), however, I have no problem with some or all of the costs for that rescue being borne by the person being rescued.

It's a fair compromise IMHO. Afterall, if we charge people for an ambulance ride after they have a heart attack, surely we should charge people for rescue costs when they put themselves into situations that 99% of the population would avoid by simply applying common sense.

Just to put a bit of a face to those of you that may be curios... My dad (who we will say is 70-ish) was out there helping with this rescue. He was bouncing information back to authorities with his ham radio as there is no cell service out there. He was out until 4:30am despite having an appointment at 8:00 am. (Which he didn't miss btw). He was not paid nor does he care if he was paid. Just the satisfaction of being able to help someone in a time of need. Way to go grampa!