Those lost climbers on Mt. Hood... Should they be required...?

Question

to repay the hundreds of thousands, or perhaps millions of dollars that are being spent to find them, assuming they're found alive?

Personally, I'm tired of seeing tax dollars pay to rescue these people. I'd like to see a policy put in place where climbers have to buy an expensive permit to attempt the summit on one of these dangerous peaks, and sign a contract agreement that if they have to be rescued, they'll get a bill for the cost. They should have to put up a bond or other proof of financial capability to pay.

Heck, maybe some private insurance company should go into business offering policies that will repay these costs, and climbers should be required to show proof of insurance before they get their permit.

Answer 1

I participate in scuba diving. Maybe that's a risky sport, maybe not. However, when accidents occur, they can be quite expensive. As a result, I've always had diver insurance when I go diving. It costs me something like $60 or $100 each year, but I have a reasonable amount of protection no matter where in the World I am diving.

Other sports should also be required or at least encouraged to have such protection. Maybe getting hit with a million dollar bill for rescues would do that.

Answer 2

I see what you're saying. A lot of the participants are probably volunteers or getting paid anyway from DNR or someone similar(although not OT)but the fuel for the choppers and vehicles and any equipment that gets used up or abandoned would add up quick. Maybe these adventurers should post a bond or policy that accrues in a fund somewhere just for search and rescue.

Answer 3

A friend told me that they are billed for rescue- is this not true? I have to wonder WHY the climbers don't buy an avalanche beacon and carry it with them? I looked them up today, $239 and with 2AA batteries you get 300 hours of signal - would that not save us all a lot of time and expense - not to mention the climber's lives?

Answer 4

Searchers said they were baffled to find no trace of Fred Frauens by the time they stopped looking at 5 p.m. Monday. They planned to resume the search at 7 this morning with additional manpower from Hood River County.

"The weather is our enemy," said Sgt. Nick Watt, search and rescue coordinator for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Snowstorms are expected to hit the Cascades beginning Wednesday.

Search leaders said Frauens; his wife, Marion; and two sons went to Timberline Lodge about 10 a.m. Sunday. He went to snowshoe to the Hogback, at about 10,500 feet
elevation, and told his family to expect him back at the parking lot by 5 p.m.

Anymore questiosn Ask Me

Answer 5

We all take chances every day. Did you ever stop to think that the only thing keeping the cars rushing toward you at speeds of 60 to 80 mph from crashing into you is a line painted on the road? I pray for comfort for the families that have lost loved ones and are missing them this season.

Answer 6

I happen to agree.

All that spent to find three climbers? If they spent the effort to find the Minnow an entire TV series wouldnt have existed.

DONT CLIMB AND THINK HELP IS COMING...you are on your own

Answer 7

Yes, bill them for the entire cost of their rescue, if it comes to that. Middle aged, X-treme sports, rich, joy boys. Why should middle class taxpayers pick up the tab for their stupidity?

Answer 8

well it does cost you if you're found alive. ive climbed mt hood and made it you cant stop someone from climbing a mt they are gonna do it anyway. i climed mt erubis in antarctica just cause we where told not to while i was working there for raytheon polar www.polar.org

Answer 9

Sounds like a brilliant idea

Answer 10

absolutely! When your ego (as a climber) collides with my checkbook, there has to be some accountability.