Wednesday, December 18, 2013

YOSAR = Yosemite Search And Rescue

Safety Information for hikers, climbers, and everybody.

Reduce the chances that you will need YOSAR's services by checking on weather and trail conditions and planning accordingly.
There are 800+ miles of designated trails in Yosemite's wilderness. It is not surprising that the majority of YOSAR missions are spent assisting an injured hiker or searching for a lost person in the backcountry. Learn more about the potential dangers and how to maximize your safety while on the trail:
Most climbers do a good job coping with the hazards of their sport, yet more than 100 climbing accidents occur in the park every year. What factors contribute to them? What, if anything, can climbers do to avoid them? And just how dangerous is climbing, anyway? With these questions in mind, the National Park Service (NPS) has examined most of the serious accidents that occurred in the park during the years from 1970 through 1990. The conclusions provide interesting reading for those wishing to stay alive.
One of the best ways to learn is through example. With rescue prevention in mind, Friends of YOSAR has partnered with Accidents in North American Mountaineering (ANAM) and the National Park Service to write reconstructive analysis of incidents and post it to the Web so that others can better avoid/cope with backcountry emergencies. Although much of this analysis deals with climbing, it also addresses emergencies involving other backcountry pursuits, such as backpacking. Read in-depth reports, interviews and analysis by rescue professionals to learn from the misfortune of others.
The following story, submitted by the subject of a search and rescue effort, illustrates the need to be aware of hazards in the outdoors. What began as an innocent day hike to view one of Yosemite's natural wonders ended in a traumatic experience at the edge of a waterfall. Read his story:

http://www.friendsofyosar.org/rescues/rescues.html

Saturday, June 08, 2013

3Rs-2013


Rocks, Rips and Reefs are explained and experienced on dive site tours to familiarize divers with shore entries
The 2013 3Rs schedule is below
This page gives you all of the information regarding our dive club network's cooperative events for beginner and experienced divers inlcuding what the 3Rs arewho can attend attendwhat to bring, and the 3Rs schedule and locations.
What are the 3Rs?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub32NRbttZU  --- And still pictures3Rs is an in-water education and site orientation program for divers and snorkelers. Participants are briefed on the interaction of surf, swell, and tides on underwater rocks and reefs, and then enter the water and tour popular dive sites with experienced instructors.
3Rs is a great way for newer divers to learn more about the ocean and for experienced divers to explore new dive sites. Here is an example of what you will learn. Each session lasts about 90 minutes.
Participants learn how to:
  1. Identify underwater rocks and reefs by observing water movement and surf
  2. Take advantage of the ocean’s natural wave motion
  3. Spot safe places to enter and exit
  4. Avoid places hazardous to divers and snorkelers
  5. Encounter rip and long shore currents
  6. Use tides to plan dives
Read a review on SanDiegoDiving.com
Who can attend?
The 3Rs is free and open to the public; donations are gladly accepted adn are only used to keep this program operating. . Snorkelers welcome! SCUBA Certification is not required, but swimming experience is recommended. Participants must sign a liability waiver as part of registration. Participants aged 17 or less must have the waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
What to bring
Bring a mask, fins, and snorkel. A full wetsuit and gloves are strongly recommended for warmth and protection from scrapes. Spring suits are OK. Weights are discouraged unless you are a strong swimmer or your wetsuit is extremely buoyant. Scuba gear (regulator, BC, tank, etc.) is not used during the 3Rs.
If you have not been diving or snorkeling recently, please check your gear before you arrive.
When are the 3Rs?
For all dates below, registration will be at 8:00am. Mandatory briefing starts at 8:15am, enter the water 8:30 am. The sites below are the most popular and interesting for shore diving and free diving. If your club wants to do a different one, let us know. You want a date for such in September or October, and on a day with a moderate morning tide.
Boomer/La Jolla CoveSaturday, June 15, 2013
Meet at 1150 Coast Blvd. (La Jolla Cove steps)
Session Host: La Jolla Cove Swim Club and Snorkel Swim Club of San DiegoNorth Bird RockSaturday, June 29, 2013
Meet at 6000 Camino de la Costa, La Jolla
Session Host: Total Immersion DiversGoldfish Point (La Jolla Caves)Saturday July 13, 2013
Meet at 1325 Coast Blvd. (Old Shell Shop)
Session Host: Dive AnimalsMarine StreetSaturday July 27, 2013
Meet at 244 Marine Street
Session Host: Total Immersion DiversShell BeachSaturday Aug 10, 2013
Meet at 1000 Coast Blvd. (nearest cross street - Ocean St.) Top of the stairs
Session Host: San Diego FreediversHospital PointSaturday Aug 24, 2013
Meet at 400 Coast Blvd (south of Cuvier)
Session Host: San Diego Sea DogsSunset CliffsSaturday Sept 7, 2013
Meet at - Parking Lot 1200 Block Sunset Cliffs Blvd (cross street Osprey)
Session Host: San Diego Rainbow Dive ClubChildren's Pool & South CasaSaturday Sept 28, 2013
Meet at Life Guard Tower 850 Coast Boulevard
Session Host: San Diego Dive Club

Thursday, April 11, 2013