Travelling on the land? Be prepared, the RCMP advises

The Nunavut RCMP is asking hunters and travellers to take the necessary precautions before heading out on the land. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

The Nunavut RCMP says they’re seeing a rising number of search and rescue operations across the territory this year — the majority of which can be prevented, police say.

As the warmer and unpredictable spring weather arrives in the territory, the RCMP is encouraging Nunavummiut to take all necessary precautions when travelling on the land.

“Spring is a time of changing weather conditions, [and] it is important to our families that we are prepared for the dangers, but mostly that we return to our homes safely,” said the RCMP V Division’s commanding officer, Chief Superintendent Mike Jeffrey in an April 13 new release.

To that end, the RCMP said it strongly encourages the use of a GPS or Spot tracking device for anyone travelling outside their community. Those devices are usually available through local hunter and trappers organizations or hamlet offices.

“Spot devices have alerted search and rescue to the exact positions of hunters in distress and led to their safe retrieval,” the RCMP said in the release.

Other safety measures that the RCMP suggest include:

• packing emergency gear, clothing for the weather, spare parts, enough food, and batteries;

• travelling with others and notifying others where you are going and what you are bringing with you;

• knowing basic maintenance skills for the equipment you have;

• checking for weather forecasts, the potential deterioration of ice conditions and any other possible danger zones; and,

• ensuring your equipment is in proper working order before you travel.

Iqaluit RCMP recently had to call off a search for a local hunter who went missing after setting out into Frobisher Bay by snowmobile, as part of a Toonik Tyme seal-hunting contest, due to hazardous ice conditions.

The hunter, Sandy Oolayou, has since been presumed to have drowned.