NORTH Wales’ mountain and coastal search and rescue teams are seeing a “significant rise” in call outs, an MP has said.
Backing for the volunteer rescuers who regularly perform “selfless acts of heroism” in all kinds of weather has been pledged by the Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville-Roberts.
She said she wanted to give the “inspirational” groups a voice in Westminster.
The MP has become a member of a cross-party group of parliamentarians speaking up on the rescuers’ behalf.
Of the 47 volunteer teams operational in England and Wales, there are six groups in her constituency alone.
They are the Llanberis MRT, Aberglaslyn MRT, South Snowdonia Search and Rescue, Aberdyfi MRT, North Wales Cave Rescue and Northeast Wales MRT.
The Llanberis team is now the busiest in the UK with over 200 incidents a year with most of the team’s work concentrated on Yr Wyddfa.
Mrs Saville-Roberts has joined the Volunteer Rescue All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) along with her fellow Plaid Cymru MP for Ynys Môn Llinos Medi.
The parliamentary group has been set up to advocate on behalf of volunteer search and rescue teams across the UK as demand for their services increases.
Mrs Saville Roberts said the rescuers’ work was “vitally important” not just for Gwynedd locals but also for the many thousands who visit the area’s “spectacular” mountain and coastal landscapes.
“They regularly risk their own safety in saving the lives of others who are beyond the reach of conventional medical assistance,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“I have had the privilege of meeting some of these exceptional volunteers and I can attest to their commitment.
“There has been a significant increase in the number of incidents requiring the services of our search and rescue teams and members tell me of a substantial rise in call outs.
“With the increase in call outs comes the pressure on resources.
“Volunteer rescue teams working across Gwynedd rely solely on the generosity and support of public donations. Yet they often lead on search and rescue operations, taking substantial pressure off statutory bodies such as North Wales Police.
“I am pleased to be joining this new APPG which will be an opportunity for those of us representing volunteer rescue teams to speak up on their behalf and lobby for the support they need and fully deserve.”
The search and rescue groups’ work involves seeking missing people, including those with dementia, or at risk of suicide, stuck walkers and climbers, medical emergencies on mountains and caves, body recovery work, livestock rescues, flood response and fundraising to cover insurance, equipment, training, and utilities costs.
Mrs Saville-Roberts added: “The teams based across my Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency are an inspiration and incredible examples of public service, selflessly performing acts of heroism day in and day out in all kinds of weather.”
