Height of safety in the mountains

Ras Al Khaimah/Fujairah: There is an urgent need of a tourism security department in Ras Al Khaimah, the head of the Air Wing at RAK Police said.

Following a number of serious incidents in the RAK mountains and the growing number of mountaineers heading there, Major Saeed Rashid Al Yamahi said there was a need of an agency that was charged with ensuring the safety and security of tourists.

"The proposed department would be solely responsible for the issues related to tourists and mountaineers, and instantly address their issues," Major Al Yamahi told Gulf News.

"Tourists would refer to this department whenever they stand in need for help or when they face any kind of trouble," he said.

The proposed department would be a source of information regarding the tourist sites in the mountains, he said.

Major Al Yamahi also urged private tourist companies to coordinate with the police, saying they should be more responsible in guiding the mountaineers.

He explained that officers have questioned scores of stranded tourists after rescuing them and found that they had relied on false information from tourist companies.

The Air Wing receives reports of stranded tourists from the Operations Room of RAK Police.

Major Al Yamahi said: "Tourists should provide all information, number of climbers, and the expected time they will spend on top of the mountains," he said.

"Rescuers will be able to identify their location and have easy access to the mountaineers should they fall in trouble," he said.

Climbing and trekking is also popular in Fujairah. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ahmad Ganem, Director of Fujairah Police, said there have been very few emergencies related to mountaineers or trekkers, but still urged tourists to take precautionary measures.

"It is advisable that mountain climbers new to the area should seek guidance and find out as much as they can about the locations they intend to visit," he said.

According to Major Al Yamahi, the Air Wing of Ras Al Khaimah Police, has rescued four stranded tourists this year so far, with no deaths or serious injuries reported.

Records of early cases registered with RAK Air Wing show that tourists who had not been aware of the nature of mountainous areas were stranded. These areas have few trees for shelter, which can be a factor in causing sun stroke, Major Al Yamahi said.

The helicopters of the RAK Air Wing are ready and on stand-by 24 hours a day to handle possible emergencies, he said. "Rescuers of the RAK Air Wing are aware of the mountainous areas, mainly Wadi Ghaleelah and Wadi Al Bih, which are key destinations for mountaineers."

Major Al Yamahi said the number of tourists increases during winter and spring.

The [tourism security] department would be solely responsible for the issues related to tourists and mountaineers, and instantly address their issues."

Checklist

Climbing experts and experienced climbers in the UAE share crucial climbing tips with Gulf News:

The dos

- Learn the basics of rock climbing on an indoor wall first.

- Inform the authorities about your activities, whereabouts and number of climbers.

- Consult climbing websites to get up-to-date information on local climbing sites.

- Bring a means of communication - a mobile or satellite phone, a whistle could also be useful to attract attention.

- Warm up carefully - finger, elbow and shoulder strains are common.

- Check the credentials of anyone offering a commercial rock climbing course.

- Read the instructions on any equipment you buy.

- Take food items such as energy bars, in case you become low in energy.

- Shelter. Take space blankets in case you are stuck in the wild.

The donts

- Try rock climbing outside except with experienced climbers. They have the skill to direct you away from danger and know the alternative routes in emergency situations.

- Underestimate the terrain or the weather. Rain in a distant area of the mountains can cause flash floods which can be channelled through the valleys

- Watch climbers from directly underneath - they may knock rocks onto you.

- Visit cliffs in large groups, especially with children.

Have your say

Do you know anyone who climbs mountains regularly? What was their most challenging climb? How did they find the experience? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com.