SB County Search and Rescue receiving increased calls for hiking accidents

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — As many people venture onto the trials to get fresh air, there’s been a significant increase in lost and injured hikers. 

Just a few days ago, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue saved two people at Tangerine Falls in Montecito. 

“We’ve seen a threefold increase in the number of calls since the stay-at-home order has been in place,” SAR team member Jason Levy said.

The 50 member team of volunteers has observed more hikers as a result of the statewide lockdown. 

“Just driving out here we saw about 45 cars at the tunnel trailhead,”  Levy said.

One local hiker explained why there are more people on the trails. 

“It’s a better alternative for people who can’t go to the bars or who can’t go hangout with their friends,” Engelbert Gallinar said. “People have taken on hiking as a hobby.”

Although it’s important to get exercise outdoors, it can also be challenging to demonstrate proper social distancing. 

“Once you get onto the trail it kind of narrows down and makes it really difficult to keep that six-foot distance,” Levy said. Especially when you’re coming around blind corners on the trail.”

In order to maintain six feet distancing, SAR recommends using wider trails such as Tunnel Trail or even fire roads.”

“We like people to be able to exercise and connect with nature,” Levy said. “We also want them to mindful of that six-foot rule, so we can protect ourselves and protect our community members.”

For now, the entire SAR team remains focused keeping the trails safe and open. 

However, they need everyone to act accordingly. 

“If there’s more than five cars at the trailhead, that would probably be a good time to turn around,” Levy said. “Maybe come back later or potentially put it off for another day.”

“Know your limitations, don’t try and do anything crazier than normal,” local hiker Nathan Bero said. Let’s not make search and rescue’s job any harder than it has to be.”  

Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue consists of volunteers who serve our community 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.