Liguria Alpine Rescue issues safety advice for mushroom foraging season

As the mushroom foraging season begins in Liguria, the Alpine and Speleological Rescue service is issuing safety guidelines to prevent emergencies caused by falls, medical issues, or loss of orientation.

Rescuers recommend wearing sturdy mountain boots with heavy-duty soles rather than traditional rubber boots, which may be unsuitable for rugged terrain. They also advise against wearing camouflage clothing, suggesting instead that foragers wear highly visible colors to ensure they can be easily located by rescuers in the event of an accident.

To minimize risks, the service suggests foraging with others and informing friends or family of intended routes. Essential preparations include checking weather reports for sudden changes like fog or storms, carrying a fully charged mobile phone or power bank, and packing an emergency kit containing items such as a multi-tool, a first-aid kit, and waterproof or thermal clothing.