Too many people are getting lost on the land, whether they be locals or out-of-town thrill-seekers, say conference participants, which included park rangers, RCMP, Canadian Forces, and other community groups.

The problem now is finding solutions. Eric Bussey, director of the territorial emergency services division, said education is the key.

"We want to give you the tools to raise your awareness," said Bussey.

He added that people shouldn't want to learn because it's the law, "but because you want to come back alive."

He said SAR conducts between 45 and 60 search operations every year. The high-risk groups identified at the conference are snowmobilers, recreational boaters, and extreme adventurers, such as long-distance kayakers unfamiliar with Northern conditions.

Recommendations collected from NWT community consultations and gathered into the GNWT's Search and Rescue Prevention Strategy, include: Developing a snowmobile and ice safety program; educating the public on how to access and use weather information; and offering high school credits to youth taking part in search and rescue prevention programming.

The aim is to have a program in place within four years which would fully integrate the various agencies involved in search and rescue activities, and create better public awareness of safety issues while out on the land.

As for recommendations calling for the mandatory registration of tourists on back country trips and money deposits before leaving, Bussey said the GNWT cannot do it alone.

"That's certainly one recommendation that may come, it's one we can't implement ourselves, but if we don't have the authority to take the action that's recommended we would then consult the proper authorities," said Bussey.

He said they may look to the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, the RCMP, and Parks Canada to implement them. SAR district marine and ground co-ordinator, Staff Sgt. Jack Kruger, doubts however, that there are sufficient resources to enforce a registration program.

"I don't see this materializing from a legislation point of view," said Kruger. "It's been tried before many times and it hasn't come to fruition yet.

"It would be nice to have some control over the frivolous and the unprepared, but in reality I don't think this is the answer."