The nation's first alpine rescue team will be founded on November 19 to help mountaineers in trouble, according to China Emergency Rescue Center.

The national coordinating body for the volunteer search and rescue team includes 30 professionals from many walks of life, including experienced outdoorsmen and mountain climbers, according to Guo Ke, secretary-general of China mountain rescue team.

"This is a self-funded, dedicated team of 'professional volunteers' united in their love of the mountains and their wish to help their fellow mountaineers in trouble," Guo said.

The team will go out in all weather in the service of enthusiasts who enjoy the hills and high places. The association is non-profit and members will not be paid.

Outdoor sports have become popular among young and educated Chinese in recent years. But due to bad weather and lack of experience, 26 mountaineers lost their lives in 2006 alone. One hiker's death last October in Inner Mongolia stirred a national round of discussion about the establishment of a rescue system.

"Mountains by their very nature involve some element of risk and there will always be those who are caught unawares. Many citizens think they are capable enough to deal with the mountains and thus get hurt or lost," Wang Xin, chief of the team, said.

"They have no idea about how to stay in communication and wait for rescue," he added.

He warned that mountaineers should take cell phones or radios and flashlights, all "very useful for seeking help" in emergencies.

According to Wang, members of the new rescue team will receive physical training every weekend.

"We pay close attention to discipline as all our members are from different professions," he said.

Zhang Bo, a domestic bank clerk, applauded the team's foundation.

"I usually go hiking every two weeks and did encounter some trouble in the past. Now I know somebody is there and could provide help. This is great," he said.

But Zhang also expressed the worry that the size of the team may not meet overall demand.

"All long holidays such as the National Day break will see many incidents. I do not know whether or not they can cover this."

(China Daily October 5, 2007)