B.C. Search-And-Rescue Teams Warn On Overreliance Of AI And Apps

Concerns Rise Over AI Dependance

In the wake of an especially difficult month filled with rescue missions, search-and-rescue organizations in British Columbia are voicing growing concerns about outdoor enthusiasts relying too much on artificial intelligence and smartphone apps for safety. According to team members, while technology can be a helpful tool, it cannot replace basic outdoor preparedness and human decision-making, which remain critical in emergencies. They report that recent incidents increasingly involve individuals who, trusting digital navigation and weather apps, ventured unprepared into the wilderness and required assistance.

The Importance Of Human Skills

Rescue professionals stress that technology is not infallible, and both hardware and software can fail in unpredictable environments. They advise adventurers to study routes, carry paper maps, and acquire survival skills alongside using digital tools. The teams urge the public to treat AI-enabled aids as supplements rather than substitutes for proper planning, education, and respect for nature’s unpredictability—highlighting that human expertise and traditional preparation are key to safe exploration.