APRIL has been the busiest month so far for mountain rescue teams in the Lake District.

The Lake District Search And Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) represents the 12 mountain rescue teams across the area.

Of its 182 callouts since the start of 2023, 56 calls for help via 999 were this month - a 30 per cent increase on last year and a 50 per cent rise on April 2019.

Lost and overdue callouts also remain at a high 30 per cent.

It comes as new AdventureSmart videos launch ahead of the May bank holidays to help people make their good day better.

The films provide important advice to enable people to enjoy the outdoors safely.

The Lake District Visitor Safety Group has teamed up with Mosaic Outdoors for the 2023 campaign #BeAventureSmart.

Tony Watson, head of visitor services and communications at the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “Visitor safety and enjoyment is of the utmost importance to us and it is vital to highlight guidance on how to stay safe on the fells and in the lakes.

"We are proud to work with our partners to promote the AdventureSmart campaign and are confident it will educate and inspire locals and tourists alike to get out and enjoy their own adventures in a knowledgeable, confident and responsible way."

Paul Donovan, AdventureSmart project lead, added: “Building on our work in 2022, we are delighted to launch these videos which encourage everyone to stay safe whilst focussing on a number of keys areas: those heading to the hills and fells; those spending time on, in or by the water and; those looking for that unique selfie opportunity, and in doing so, we hope to encourage people to enjoy our coast and countryside whilst taking responsibility for their own safety.

“It’s ok to choose a more suitable location or make plans for another day instead.” 

People are asked to consider the three key questions before going out: Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills, do I know what the weather will be like and do I have the right gear?