TRAVERSE CITY -- Six stranded Louisiana boy scouts were rescued Tuesday morning after surviving two nights in an Arkansas forest.
The group of 4 boys and two adult leaders went missing Monday. They got cut off from an exit route of the forest by high water on the Little Missouri River and didn't have cell phone reception. Finally they were spotted last night by a rescue helicopter.
This rescue is a fresh reminder that you need to be prepared when taking on nature.
7&4's Kate Fox shows us that knowing the proper survival skills could be the difference between life and death.
Eagle Scout Eric Robinson says, "If you possess the skills to know how to get in and out of a lot of trouble, you're more likely to go out there and enjoy everything that we have in northern Michigan."
As a 10 year Eagle Scout, Robinson says before heading out for a hike this spring there's a list of survival essentials you need to brush up on. Prior to taking off you must research the area which means taking notes on rivers and what vegetation is there. Knowledge is power.
Also never travel alone, take a buddy and clue others in on your plans.
Robinson says, "Always have a trip itinerary and you need to give it to a family member -- someone who knows when you’re going to be heading out and what your drop dead situation is."
So if you discover you are lost…what do you do?
Robinson says, "Stay put! One of the things that happens to a lot of people they get lost and they get further and further away form where people would actually be looking for them."
Avid Hiker Sandy Graham says, "Sit down and evaluate the situation how many hours a day light left? Where did you go wrong?”
Graham is an avid hiker and knows what it is like to be lost in the forest. He says don't panic and first focus on finding shelter.
Robinson explains how to make shelter, he says, "Find just an over hanging branch and find a bunch of longer sticks and lay them up there -- start big then start laying more and more sticks and branches ferns to be able to block water and wind."
Next it's time to signal for help.
Robinson says, "If you have a whistle something with a ball so if it gets wet it continues to be able to signal people, it can blow quite a long time and you won't lose your voice."
If you’re in a group it’s imperative that you stay together and don't separate unless it's completely necessary.
Robinson explains, "If you go someone injured make sure you have someone nursing that person, and then maybe two people go for help depend on size on group, if you can -- stay put if everyone is just as lost."
These outdoor experts say if you’re planning on a long day bring a back pack filled with must haves like a compass, knife and matches.
This Saturday May 7th, Manistee Mounted SAR & Patrol will host the 6th annual West Shore Mounted Search and Rescue Academy.
Mounted Units from all over Michigan will be participating in the event. The two-day event will cover Incident Command fundamentals, while conducting real time, real life search and rescue scenarios in wooded areas of Northwest Michigan.
It’s held at Bear Lake’s Rockin R Stables Ranch, located at 8805 13 Mile Road in Bear Lake. It starts at 9am and last until noon.
