Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) is on the brink of setting a grim new record, as the surge in incidents across the Lake District reaches unprecedented levels. With two months of the year still to go, the team has already logged 163 callouts for 2026, putting them just five incidents away from surpassing their previous annual record of 168.
The announcement was shared last weekend during Mountain Rescue Awareness Day, a campaign dedicated to educating the public on safety when exploring the nation’s highest peaks. A spokesperson for the team confirmed that the volunteer-led service, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is anticipating the record to fall before the year is out.
“We’re likely to break our callout record,” the spokesperson said. “Our volunteers are on call 24/7, and we’re lucky to have a fantastic team of hill-going and support members. We’re also very grateful to our local communities, both at our fundraising events and when we see you out and about.”
Wasdale MRT is not alone in facing an exceptionally busy year. Earlier this month, Keswick MRT confirmed that 2026 has officially become the busiest year in their history, highlighting a broader, concerning trend across the region’s emergency services.
In a show of unity, the Wasdale team took the opportunity to express their gratitude to the wider search and rescue network, including neighboring mountain rescue teams, the Coastguard, the Air Ambulance, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), and Cumbria Police. “Thank you for everything you do to help keep our communities safe, and to support them in times of distress,” the team added.
As the record-breaking milestone looms, the MRT has issued a stark reminder to walkers about the importance of preparation and decision-making. To help prevent future incidents, the team is urging hikers to ensure they have the proper equipment before heading out into the fells.
Essential safety advice includes:
* Packing a reliable head torch and extra batteries.
* Carrying a physical map and compass—and knowing how to use them.
* Taking extra warm layers of clothing.
* Planning routes based on available daylight hours.
* Checking the specific mountain weather forecast before departing.
* Ensuring your mobile phone is fully charged.
For those interested in contributing to the mountain rescue effort in a non-hill-going capacity, the team is currently looking for additional support. Enquiries regarding joining the team can be directed to recruitment@wmrt.org.uk.
As the colder, darker months approach, the team hopes that improved public awareness will help reverse the upward trend of callouts and ensure that everyone exploring the Lake District returns home safely.
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