Police set up signs in Beijiushui scenic area
Recently, as the weather has warmed up, the number of tourists visiting for hiking and sightseeing has been increasing. However, incidents of danger and fatalities caused by reckless risk-taking and unauthorized venturing into wild trails have also been on the rise. In the past week alone, there have been four incidents of tourists getting into trouble in the Mount Lao scenic area. Last Saturday, a hiker near the Giant Peak of Mount Lao accidentally fell to his death while climbing, sounding yet another alarm bell for those who love hiking. According to statistics from the Mount Lao police, from early January to now – just over a month – they have received over twenty rescue calls, with as many as two mountain distress incidents reported in a single day. Rescue personnel analyzed that most of the hikers’ accidents stem from insufficient attention to safety and a preference for “taking the road less traveled,” venturing into wild paths, which often leads to tragic outcomes. Previously, the police had joined forces multiple times with the Red Cross Blue Sky Rescue Team to search for and rescue endangered hikers, discovering that the number of wild trails blazed by hikers on Mount Lao has been growing steadily. There are even as many as 108 wild trails circulating among hikers on the mountain.
To help hikers clearly identify their location in case of emergency and facilitate timely rescue efforts by responders, on February 12, 2012, the Beijiushui Police Station, together with the Qingdao Red Cross Blue Sky Rescue Team, ventured deep into the forests of Beijiushui in Mount Lao. They installed multiple directional signs at major trail junctions and areas where hikers are prone to getting lost (such as Fanzi Stone, Flying Dragon Waterfall, and Jiangyun Gully). The signs indicate walking routes, the latitude and longitude as well as elevation of the location, and the contact number for the Red Cross rescue team, making it easier for hikers to understand their route and current whereabouts.
The Mount Lao police also remind the public that safety should be the top priority when engaging in hiking and outdoor activities, especially for senior citizens who should be more vigilant and take preventive measures in advance. Although many directional signs have been placed along the mountain paths near the Beijiushui scenic area, there are still numerous wild trails on the mountain. Visitors must not blindly venture into these wild trails, placing full reliance on the signage. Hiking and outdoor enthusiasts are urged to stick to officially developed trails in the scenic area. Carry adequate medicine, food, and supplies, and in case of danger, do not panic. While dialing 110 for emergency assistance, actively try to save yourself to minimize the risk.