The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) has launched a signature AdventureSmart Trip Plan app to aid outdoor recreationalists to “Get informed and go outdoors!”
We love the outdoors. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 7 in 10 Canadians participate in outdoor or wilderness activities every year, with hiking and backpacking being the most popular activity[1].
Preventing the preventable
While this love of the outdoors plays a critical role in the health and well-being of Canadians, it can also create problems. Each year there are approximately 15,000 search and rescue incidents and national search and rescue program partners provide assistance to over 25,000 persons lost or in distress.
AdventureSmart is a national prevention program that helps Canadians and visitors to Canada effectively prepare for their outdoor excursions.
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada, is pleased to announce the development of the new AdventureSmart Trip Plan App and is available as a free download for Android (via the Google Play Store) and iPhone (on the Apple App Store).
Developed with the knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience, the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App is a tremendous new aid for those heading outdoors, especially when it comes to the:
“Three T’s”
Trip planning: Let the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App walk you through a comprehensive trip plan, then easily share it with a responsible party, family or friends, with just a couple of clicks.
Training: Use the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App as a reference for outdoor survival tips, suggestions for appropriate clothing, and additional information specific to your outdoor activity.
Taking the essentials: The AdventureSmart Trip Plan App offers a handy guide to help with the essentials of any equipment list, including those specific to your chosen activity, season and location.
The six step process
The AdventureSmart Trip Plan App incorporates a six step process to ensure the emergency contact(s) you choose have the detailed information of your trip, which can be provided to the authorities in case of emergency.
This process provides a wealth of critical information, including time of departure and expected return, location and purpose of a trip, as well as names and contact information for all participants.
While the trip plan is not monitored (and it is up to you or your emergency contact(s) to notify the appropriate authorities should you become overdue or in distress), the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App helps give recreationalists and search and rescue professionals essential information to assist in the response for your safe return.
- Title – Start your trip plan by creating a short descriptive title for the benefit of your contacts.
- Participant and emergency contact(s) – Provide the names and contact information for all participants and for individual(s) to be notified if you do not indicate that you have safely returned from your trip.
- Date and time – Provide the date and time of your departure and planned return.
- Location and purpose – Provide the location and purpose of your trip.
- Equipment and supplies – Identify what equipment and supplies you are taking with you and consider including all suggested “essentials”.
- Additional information – Provide any miscellaneous information for your contact(s) and when complete, activate!
Enjoy the ability to access other information such as local weather, survival information, your current location, and emergency contact numbers for local authorities, should you find yourself in distress.
What is AdventureSmart?
AdventureSmart balances key safety messages with an individuals’ responsibility for safety and encouraging the public to obtain the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary for them to enjoy their outdoor pursuits.
By being AdventureSmart, outdoor recreationalists make informed decisions, mitigate risk, and ultimately reduce the number and severity of search and rescue (SAR) incidents.
To learn more about AdventureSmart and to find more information on the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App, visit their website!
SARVAC
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a registered not-for-profit and educational organization that supports, coordinates, develops, informs, promotes and implements search, rescue and emergency response with the underlying principle of saving lives.
Learn more about SARVAC here.
Funding
The development of this app was funded through a Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund program.
The SAR New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) was established by the Federal Government in 1988, and is managed by Public Safety Canada, in partnership with other Federal, Provincial and Territorial SAR organizations.
SAR NIF provides funding for projects that will improve the National Search and Rescue Program and address National SAR Program Annual Priorities.
Special thanks
SARVAC would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the volunteers which continue to make the AdventureSmart program and the development of the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App, a huge success!
Give it a try!
Find more information about AdventureSmart program delivery here.
To use the trip plan app, visit their website, or search for “AdventureSmart” in Google Play or the Apple App Store.
[1] General Social Survey (Canadians at Work and Home), Statistics Canada, 2016