aac standpoint

[erik]

just got it in the email. thought i would share with the non-members of the aac.

 

Dear AAC Member,

 

The AAC would like to take this moment to update you about the Club's role in the recent media coverage centered around the tragedies on Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier.

 

As always, our thoughts are with the families of those who were hurt and killed in these two climbing accidents, and with the injured rescuers. As climbers we know the risks of the sport, and the steps we take to minimize them.

 

In the past two days, the AAC has been approached by many media outlets, including CNN, USA Today, the Associated Press, New York Times, both ABC and NBC national news (both the ABC and NBC stories should air this evening), and various local media outlets throughout the country. We thought it important to inform you, as an AAC member, of our position on this matter.

 

Much of the debate after the tragedies now focuses on the cost of rescues and who should bear these expenses. The AAC's position on this matter is best summed up in four points:

1. Charging fees for rescues may delay and complicate future rescue attempts, putting more lives at risk.

 

2. Statistically, climbers fall well below the list of recreationists who require rescue. (According to National Park Service data from 2000, only three percent of rescues were for climbers, while many more were for hikers, swimmers, boaters, and other park visitors.)

 

3. The AAC is concerned that one group would be singled out to pay for an essential public safety service that is provided free of charge to other citizens.

 

4. U.S. Government policy states that search and rescue services provided "will be without subsequent cost recovery from the person(s) assisted."

 

"Most people do not climb, and therefore they do not understand the education, tools, and safeguards that we climbers use to minimize the risks of climbing," noted AAC Deputy Director Lloyd Athearn. "Because of this they assume that climbing is incredibly risky and overtly dangerous, but the statistics clearly disprove that notion."

 

The full text of an AAC report on Rescue Cost Recovery for Denali National Park and Preserve can be found at http://www.americanalpineclub.org/policy/RescueCostRecoveryTimetable.htm or simply go to the AAC homepage at www.americanalpineclub.org and search on "rescue."

 

If you have any concerns, thoughts, or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the AAC staff at (303) 384-0110 or getinfo@americanalpineclub.org.