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Education, rather than fear, is the goal of agencies like the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). By discussing disappearances through the lens of data and prevention, we can foster a culture of “informed visitors.” This involves following the “Ten Essentials” of hiking and understanding one’s own physical limits. National parks remain among the safest and most cherished public spaces in America, and millions of families enjoy them every year without incident. The occasional tragedy, while deeply emotional, serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of wilderness literacy.