As Israel's recent school vacation period comes to a close, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority is reflecting on weeks of dramatic rescue operations and emergency situations caused by extreme weather and hikers unprepared for challenging conditions. Officials warn that irresponsible behavior repeatedly transforms family outings into full-scale rescue missions.
Following Wave of Emergency Rescues
How to Help Rescuers Find You on Trails
After weeks of dramatic rescues during school break, officials urge hikers to leave a note on their car windshield with trail details and expected return time—a low-tech solution that can save lives when phones don't work
Before addressing the lessons from the recent holiday period, the Parks Authority emphasizes that its goal is educational, not accusatory. "Hiking in nature calms the mind and benefits the body, but you must hike wisely," says Mazi Magnaji from the Authority's public information division. "We encounter entire families—ten people—descending trails in peak heat with only half a liter of water. It's simply unbelievable."
The Authority stresses that these safety concerns apply to all communities and demographics. Proper preparation and responsible behavior are universal requirements for anyone venturing into Israel's nature reserves and national parks.
Magnaji describes persistent disregard for basic safety rules that puts parents and children in immediate danger. "We see people on trails wearing sandals, high heels, and we even encountered a family dragging a hard-shell suitcase into a trail," she recounts. "People have sprained ankles, broken bones, and suffered severe dehydration and heat stroke. Our staff and rescue units work extremely hard to save lives."
Beyond heat-related dangers, this year brought unique security challenges requiring enhanced protection for hikers. The primary concern involves straying from marked paths in areas where unexploded ordnance and ammunition remnants remain following fighting in the north and south. "The marked trails have been checked and cleared of explosives," Magnaji emphasizes. "Deviating from the marked path directly endangers your life. Walk only where it's safe."
When asked about dealing with poor cell reception, Magnaji describes ongoing efforts to improve coverage on trails. But the Authority also offers a simple solution that could save lives, though many remain unaware of it: "Leave a note on your car window in the parking lot with your details. When you left, which trail you're taking, and when you expect to return. If you get into trouble and don't come back, they'll know exactly where to locate you."
This straightforward solution, requiring no special equipment, can mean the difference between rapid rescue and a life-threatening situation. When cellular service is unavailable, the note on the car becomes the only communication tool between hikers and rescue forces.
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority outlines essential safety rules every hiker must follow:
- Life-saving water quantities: Hikers must carry 3 liters of water per person in the north, and 5 liters per person in the south and desert regions.
- Precise physical matching: Choose a trail directly suited to the fitness level and age of all participants.
- Personal protective equipment: Closed hiking shoes only to prevent fractures and falls, a hat, and long clothing that protects against sunburn.
- Careful time planning: Depart in early morning hours to finish before peak heat, and prefer shaded, shorter trails.
- Advance checking: Verify on the Authority's website or hotline (*3639) regarding trails closed due to severe heat.
Additionally, the Authority notes that according to fire service orders, lighting fires in nature reserves and national parks is strictly prohibited except in designated areas.
Due to extreme conditions, hiking trails throughout the country may be closed on days of severe heat.
Proper preparation, reading the terrain, and personal responsibility are the only way to ensure every hike ends in good health with a safe return home. The simple note on your car window may be the thing that saves your life.
