Safety information
Be prepared before you head out.
The Sunshine Coast offers incredible outdoor experiences year-round. A little preparation is the difference between a great day and a search and rescue callout.
The Three T's
Every trip. Every time.
The AdventureSmart Canada Three T's framework gives you a simple, memorable checklist for any outdoor adventure — whether you're hiking Tetrahedron for a day or heading up Jervis Inlet for a week.
Trip plan
Before you leave, tell a responsible person your complete plan: where you're going, your intended route, who is with you, and when you expect to return. Ask them to call police if they haven't heard from you by a specific time.
You can file a free digital trip plan at AdventureSmart.ca — it notifies your emergency contact automatically if you don't check in.
- Leave your plan with someone who will act on it if you don't return
- Include trailhead location, vehicle description, and licence plate
- Set a specific "call police" time — not just "if I'm not back by dark"
- Stick to your plan. If you change your route, let someone know
Training
Know the terrain, conditions, and your own limits before you go. Skills built in advance are the ones that help you in an emergency — not the ones you wish you had.
- Research your route: elevation gain, trail condition, river crossings, seasonal hazards
- Check current conditions — not just the forecast but recent trip reports
- Know how to use your navigation tools (map, compass, GPS) before you need them
- Take a wilderness first aid course — the Justice Institute of BC offers them regularly
- Learn avalanche safety if you're heading into avalanche terrain in winter
- Know your group's fitness and skill level, and plan accordingly
Taking the essentials
Carry the ten essentials on every outing — including short day hikes. Conditions can change fast on the Sunshine Coast. People get hurt and lost on trails they've done dozens of times.
If you're lost or in trouble — STOP.
Stop and stay calm. Think about your situation. Observe your surroundings. Plan your next move carefully.
Stay put unless you are in immediate danger. Moving makes you harder to find. Signal with a whistle (three blasts), mirror, or bright clothing. If you can reach 9-1-1, call it — tell them your location and stay on the line. We will come to you.
Know before you go
Current conditions on the Sunshine Coast
Weather and conditions change quickly on the coast. Check these sources before every outing.
Emergencies and alerts
Dressing for the outdoors
What you wear matters.
The Sunshine Coast is a wet coast environment. Hypothermia is a risk year-round, not just in winter. Proper clothing choices have kept people alive on callouts that would otherwise have ended differently.
Layer up
Three layers: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell. Avoid cotton — it loses all insulating value when wet.
Expect the unexpected
Sunshine Coast weather can shift from clear to heavy rain in under an hour, especially in the mountains. Always pack your rain gear, even when skies are clear at the trailhead.
Footwear matters
Proper-fitting, waterproof footwear with ankle support prevents the majority of injuries we respond to. Blisters and sprains turn short hikes into rescue callouts.
Gear for your activity
Every outdoor pursuit has specific requirements. Visit AdventureSmart's gear guide for activity-specific checklists.
A note on our callouts
Caring for people with dementia.
A significant portion of our callouts involve elderly people experiencing dementia-related wandering. If you have a loved one at risk, these resources can help.
- Wandering and Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers — Alzheimer Society BC
- GPS and locating devices for people living with dementia — Alzheimer Society of Canada
Hug a Tree and Survive
An AdventureSmart program that teaches children what to do if they get lost in the outdoors. If you have children who spend time in the backcountry, this program could save their life.
Learn about Hug a Tree and Survive →