Vermont getting serious about charging for Search and Rescue

Vermont allows rescued people to be charged for their search and rescue. (That sentence I’m not sure about, but it would be hard to charge those who did not get rescued?) Vermont also has the greatest determination to enforce the law. Recently four 19 year olds who wondered off the trail, “woefully unprepared” may be charged for their rescue.

The teens “had no water, maps or compass, and despite the cold weather, three were not wearing coats. After losing the trail, the teens ended up in a swamp. After their flashlight died, they called 9-11 around 2:30 a.m.”

The issue of course that is argued by most SAR groups is charging will discourage people from calling for help. It seems to me that waiting till 2:30 AM is a perfect example of this, or maybe just another example of lost being young.

See Teens lost in woods may have to pay for rescue and 4 teens may have to pay for rescue.