hikeSafe helps fund rescue operations, serves as 'inexpensive insurance card' for hikers, climbers

For 11 years, Granite State hikers have had the opportunity to buy peace of mind and save a bundle if they were ever in need of a rescue, through the hikeSafe program.

“It has really become a very inexpensive insurance card, so you won’t get billed unless you are extremely negligent,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game Col. Kevin Jordan, chief of law enforcement for the department. “We have never billed someone with a hikeSafe card. Frankly, it has been such a successful program.”

While the program officially kicked off in 2003, the card has been around since 2015. It's not a physical card; by signing up, hikers are added to a database which lets first responders know they have done their due diligence. The fee — $25 since the start — contributes to the Fish and Game search and rescue budget.

“hikeSafe started for us going over and asking the Legislature to better fund the search and rescue budget,” Jordan said. “Hikers and climbers were requiring the majority of services and weren’t contributing, and we don’t get much to fund it, so hikeSafe was born.”

The program has helped fund equipment purchases, training costs and other things which would otherwise come out of other budget lines. The card is voluntary for hikers, but Jordan recommends it, because it is a help to the department, and hikers themselves.

The base hikeSafe card covers one hiker, and a $35 family card covers also a spouse, minor children and adult children in the household. Jordan said there are some scenarios where hikers would be charged for rescue, but those would have to be extreme. Billing for rescues is actually quite rare in NH. Jordan said out of 180 missions, there have been less than a dozen people charged.

“With a hikeSafe card, you’re covered, and only billed if actions involve impairment, or extreme lack of refusal to obey the law and put rescuers at risk,” Jordan said.

Not having physical cards minimizes administrative costs to the program. The goal, he said, is for all proceeds to go back into the rescue community.

“You can print it out, but don’t need to have it on you,” Jordan said. “We can look it up in the system, and check.”

Jordan said New Hampshire has been a model he hopes other major hiking areas in the country can follow, due to its success. He said Colorado has a similar card, and he spoke with their state leaders at length when creating the Granite State program.

“They’re the only other state that does it,” Jordan said. “I get calls all the time from across the country about the card, and people looking for information on billing for rescues.”

While successful, he said there was some pushback at the start. There were worries hikers without the card would stop making calls, because they were afraid of the fee, putting them further at risk. But Jordan thinks it has actually led to more people taking the time to pause and think about what to do to prevent a scenario where a rescue is needed.

“It’s a good preventative tool to put off some of the reckless operations that happen,” Jordan said.

Temperatures are still cold, especially at night, but spring is, in fact, upon us. This time of year, people start hitting the trails around the Granite State, with some right here in the Lakes Region and nearby White Mountains.

Jordan recommends bringing proper equipment, extra gear including a change of warm clothing, and a flashlight, even if not planning to be out on a trail after dark.

“Even if it is just a pocket flashlight. And don’t just rely on a cellphone,” Jordan said.

He also said people should bring plenty of water. “You can go without food, but you cannot go without water.”

“Hypothermia is accelerated without liquids,” Jordan said.

He added hikers should always have the ability to make a fire if needed, which could save their life. Jordan said it is also important to make sure you stay within your ability, and be mindful of the weather, and choose to turn back if need be.

“Don’t go beyond your limits and get yourself into trouble,” Jordan said.

Rescues have already taken place this year as close by as Mount Major in Alton, where a hiker from Missouri fell on ice, hurt his shoulder and needed assistance. The hiker was not charged for the rescue mission. That's up to law enforcement discretion.

Some areas, especially north of the Lakes Region, like Franconia Notch, are still experiencing winter conditions this spring, according to Jordan.

“The biggest thing is to pay attention to the weather, and plan accordingly,” Jordan said. “It can be much different at the trailhead than the summit.”

Jordan said there were rescues across the state over the winter, and can be dangerous for all involved. A couple airlifts were needed to save lives, but the majority of rescues were of people who were not prepared. While this has been an average year, he predicts more rescues to come in the spring, due to conditions stemming from the ample snowfall.

“I am assuming we will get more calls for service, but people do seem to be paying attention, and that is making a difference,” Jordan said.

The hikeSafe website has plenty of information for hikers and climbers to check out, including basic guidelines recommended by Fish and Game to hike responsibly.

This includes checking the status of the hike about closures, fire restrictions and weather; being prepared with proper reservations and permits, gear, and a backup plan; building an inclusive outdoors by making it welcome for all identities and abilities; respecting others; leaving no trace; and making it better through donations, volunteering and advocating.

Recommended items to bring in your daypack include a whistle, pocketknife, rain jacket and pants, warm clothing, a fire starter, headlamp or flashlight, first aid kit, compass, water and food, and a map. The website also lists lightweight items to add to the pack, like insect repellant, extra socks and hat, emergency blanket, garbage bag, sunscreen, and a field guide.

“It’s a great website, and I suggest people go to it and take advantage of the resources,” Jordan said.

To purchase the card, and for more information, visit hikesafe.com.