As snow falls on the Okanagan Valley the back country appears more and more enticing to outdoor enthusiasts.

However, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) is warning those who venture out-of-bounds or even onto local hiking trails to be prepared after several call-outs to the back-country almost ended tragically.

Just this past Sunday COSAR was called into to assist RCMP in rescuing a person who had become lost in the back country, according to Dave Crawford with COSAR.

"It was after dark, snowing and cold,鈥� said Crawford. "The subject reported that they had no more food or water, was unable to start a fire and was not equipped to spend the night in the woods.鈥�

Their cell phone was dying and their feet were cold, a bad mix to be stuck outside with.

"Temperatures were expected to go below -15 C in that area, so it was important that we respond to prevent serious injury or worse,鈥� explained Crawford.

As COSAR was preparing to respond, the person they were looking for walked out on his own.

"This incident had a positive outcome, but there was tremendous potential for tragedy,鈥� he said.

This incident is one of several incidents of similar nature in the past few months, which has COSAR reminding those who like to venture out into the snow to be prepared and follow these tips:

Don鈥檛 go alone 鈥� Two or more people together have a much higher chance of survival.

Tell someone where you鈥檙e going, or file a trip plan online 鈥� It is vital that someone responsible know your plan, and it is important that you stick to your plan. If you are injured or lost, you may not be able to communicate to ask for help. Having someone to do that for you can be a lifesaver, no overstatement.

Take the 10 Essentials 鈥�  See for an online trip plan register, and a great description of the 10 Essentials and how to use them.