Summer training for Ruapehu rescue group

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 513, 23 November 1993, Page 15

Summer training for Ruapehu rescue group

Members of the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO) began their summer training this week. The training took place last Tuesday 16 November at Iwikau and the Whakapapa ski field. The exercise involved practising crevasse and waterfall hole rescue techniques. "Ihe public need to be aware that there is still snow and ice on Mt Ruapehu in summer," said Dave Rothschild, secretary of RARO. "This can be a hazard for the unwary , especially if they are not familiar with mountain-craft and stray from formed tracks." There have been a number of accidents, some fatal, on Mt Ruapehu in the summer months. Mr Rothschild also warns that people playing on the snow need to be particularly careful, especially when sliding. "There have been a spate of incidents in the past when people have been sliding on the snow - they should walk up the slope first so they know what's at the bottom and know how to stop," he said. Members of the group include staff from the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Turoa Ski Resort Ski Patrol, Department of Conservation and the Army Ad venture Training School. RARO members train regularly throughout the year and are the first response team to incidents in Tongariro National Park.