This summer season, which started on 1 June, the Slovenian Police Air Support Unit and the team of the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia have already flown helicopters into the mountains and other difficult terrain to help in 103 cases. Last weekend alone, 10 helicopter rescues took place, and yesterday three more accidents happened requiring helicopter rescues.

Two fatalities were treated, two hikers were seriously injured and five others were slightly injured; in two cases the reason for the rescue was sickness and nausea and in one case the hiker was unable to continue walking. The last two weeks have been the most tragic, with four deaths in the mountains.

Most accidents were related to falls and slips, followed by rescues due to sickness and exhaustion, lack of knowledge of the terrain, falling and rolling rocks, and rescues of lost and frightened hikers.

The hiking season is far from over, so once again, we urge you to be well prepared, equipped, cautious and responsible, and to make informed and safe choices. The mountains should not be a testing ground for psychophysical performance. They are a unique place with their own rules and values. It is we humans who must submit to them, respect them and protect ourselves. It is important to be aware of our abilities and limitations and to adapt accordingly. Slovenia's mountains are rough, challenging and sometimes unpredictable.

Go into the mountains with at least one other person, well equipped and physically fit, with a charged mobile phone and location services included. Let your family or friends know exactly where you are going and how long you will be gone. Choose marked trails where you feel safe and confident, keeping in mind that after the climb, you will have to descend into the valley in spite of fatigue. Be prepared for the possibility of sudden changes in the weather, with extreme heat being an added stress at this time.