In honour of International Women’s Day, Carys has shared her experience as a woman in Mountain Rescue.
As a passionate advocate for the outdoors and a dedicated member of a mountain rescue team, Carys sheds light on her personal experiences and the challenges faced by women in mountain rescue.
To stay up to date with Carys' outdoor journeys, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
It’s been over three years since I attended a taster day with Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. Since then, I’ve worked my way through Foundation and Probation, and I am now a fully operational team member - and a Trustee for the team too. In many ways, the time has flown by, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far.
An Introduction to Mountain Rescue in the UK
Before I dive in, here’s a quick introduction to Mountain Rescue. There are 49 volunteer teams and eight regional bodies across England and Wales, covering nine geographical areas. My team operates in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), including Pen y Fan, the stunning waterfalls of Ystradfellte, and the surrounding valleys. Our area also covers urban locations like Cardiff, Caerphilly, and Newport.
Mountain rescue is entirely voluntary - made up of dedicated individuals who give their time freely to help those in need, responding to 999 emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions.
So Why Did I Join?
I’ve always believed in giving back, and volunteering has been a big part of my life. For years, I admired the work of Mountain Rescue, but something always held me back from applying.
I didn’t know anyone in Mountain Rescue, hadn’t interacted with the teams, and had no idea what to expect. From the outside, it seemed like a male-dominated world - a bit of a boys’ club, if you will. I doubted whether I’d be fit or strong enough. Sure, I’ve always been a hiker, but I wasn’t particularly technical - so what could I possibly bring to the team?
Breaking Through Self-Doubt
I’m no stranger to male-dominated environments. I worked in professional sport for eight years and spent 17 years on the doors of nightclubs - so why did Mountain Rescue feel different?
I believe women often hold themselves to higher standards. We feel we have to work harder, prove ourselves more, and achieve beyond expectations just to be seen as equal.
So, in the summer of 2021, I had a word with myself and applied. I wish I had done it sooner.
It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone, faced the occasional bit of discrimination, and learned skills I never even knew existed. It has all been worth it.
Where Are the Women?
Mountain Rescue teams are still overwhelmingly male. My team has around 55 members, with just 10 women. Of those, only five are fully operational, with the rest in Foundation, Probation, or Operational Support. In some teams, women make up as little as 5% of total volunteers. Even in the most diverse teams, the highest proportion of female members is still only 30%.
We need more women involved.
And yet, women already play vital roles in Mountain Rescue - whether as casualty carers, water rescue specialists, technical rescue experts, fundraisers, trainers, or leaders. Do you need to be super fit and capable of carrying a 20-stone man on your back? Absolutely not.
The women I serve alongside are strong, independent, fearless, intelligent, and brave.
How Do We Attract More Women?
This is a question I’ve wrestled with for years. I think a huge part of the issue is imposter syndrome - that nagging doubt that tells us we’re not good enough. The other part? A lack of visibility.
We need to show that women belong here. That we’re not some rare anomaly - we are part of the team, part of the rescue community. When other women see us doing this, they start to believe it’s possible for them too. That’s why I share my journey - because this is for you.
If you have the skills, the passion, and the determination to help others, Mountain Rescue needs you - no matter who you are.
Final Thoughts
The sense of fulfilment that comes from volunteering with the team is unmatched. I’ve been part of some truly heartbreaking call-outs, but also ones that have moved me to tears in the best way. The immense pride I feel in our team after every call-out is impossible to put into words, and I can’t imagine anything more rewarding. We work seamlessly together, supporting one another through both the toughest moments and the most uplifting ones.
If there’s something you’ve been waiting or wanting to do, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. If I’d listened to those little voices telling me I wasn’t fit enough, strong enough, or skilled enough, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.”
Be brave. You won’t regret it.
If you're interested in learning more about joining a mountain rescue team and making a difference in the outdoors, you can find more from Scottish Mountain Rescue and England and Wales Mountain Rescue.