I was the person who called this incident in to liverpool coast guard and saw it happen .How can we stop people taking their children up this grade one scramble, its beyond belief. they were also ill equipped for such a climb.My thought are with the boy and his familly but please it is not for children

they should put a warning sign at the foot of Jack's rake that references recent incidents. I've climbed this before and it was scary. It should be illegal to take kids up there.

Totally disagree with the comments about banning children from going up Jacks Rake. Common sense has to prevail in deciding whether the particular child in question can safely complete the route. My children completed the Rake aged 9 and 10 respectively. The are even at this age quite experienced on the fells, can take a bearing and read a map. There are many adults out there that shouldnt go out on the fells but they are not banned. My children have also completed Sharp Edge and Striding Edge without incident. Banning people like this is just a knee jerk reaction whilst it is indeed very sad when people get injured or killed.

I still think it should be left for the more experienced adults there was no common sense on saterday, two adults and six young boys wearing trainers is all wrong and down right irresponsible.there were 15 mountain rescue members and 2 helicopters attending.I am only putting these points forwards in the hope that inexperienced people will not this dangerous scramble do you not agree with that paul

I agree with you Bob, wearing trainers is just asking for trouble and trying to control 6 children with two adults is as we have seen leads to disaster. 8 inexperienced people all on a confined ledge has resulted in a near fatality and only hope his injuries arent life changing. I know of lots of children that have safely completed Jacks Rake but they have been with experienced climbers and is usually one adult to one child. I did Scafel and Scafell Pike on Monday 9th going via Lords Rake, and on my return with the mist descending its amazing how many were still climbing without any equipment or proper footwear, no maps or compasses. Its hard to legislate against stupity. Its not as though you arent aware as you approach Jacks Rake from Stickle Barn that it may be dangerous, its a huge precipice that says i may be a bit tricky. No Bob i share your sentiments, but how you police it would be a nightmare. Take care. May see you in the ODG for a pint sometime.

Incidently Bob where on the Rake did he fall? Take care.

He was about one third of the way up .I along with my group had just reached that side of the tarn and was about to have a sandwich and a cuppa when it all happened .good job i had my transceiver because there isnt a signal for mobiles just there

I was in Langdale all weekend but was part of a lakes meres and waters relay so was away in keswick when it happened. I only found out late sunday afternoon of the incident. I hope you and your group are ok after having witnessed the fall, and lets hope the lad recovers well.

Just out of interest, what kit were they using? If any.

For information the young lad is stable in RVI Newcastle, and should recover without too many complications. He had a fractured skull, but no spinal injuries.

To put the record straight, there were 17 members of LAMRT involved along with about a dozen members of Kendal MRT, an air ambulance and RAF Seaking. The initial call came via mobile phone, followed by several other 999 calls and a mayday call to Coastguard.

The lad was treated by the as paramedic, lamrt team doctor and team members.

All involved would like to wish the young lad a speedy recovery and hope that his experience hasn't put him or any of his companions off the adventure of the hills

Well said Nick and thank you for all your teams efforts at this incident.

Dave,MRT Scotland

Following these three events on Jack's Rake it is obvious that some people need to be more aware of the requirements and responsibilities of this sclassic scramble. I have escorted people of various ages and abilities, including my son when he was 12 years old up Jack's Rake. With a little preparation, good attire and at least a one experienced person it is a fine ascent. What I would suggest is that adult to child (teenagers only) ratio must be One to One. One experienced person to three others ratio for the total party size. People also need to be aware that during and after rain the rake is more dangerous and if not confident then stay away until it is dry. Which could be a long wait given the past few seasons. As always thanks to MRT and the emergency services who have been called in so often recently.
Finally......The fells are there to be enjoyed and experienced but clearly also taken seriously.

Being someone who has a good fear of heights yet enjoys climbing and fell running I enjoy all aspects of the lakes yet I understand the dangers involved and if I am out of my comfort zone I will not continue through sheer determination. No signs should be present in such a beautiful area of the world and no discouragement should be circulated against doing whatever anybody deems fun. I have heard the comment over the past few weeks that Jack's Rake should have a warning sticker on it however, standing at the bottom of it with a pair of eyes should be warning enough. It is a very majestic route and the dangers are plainly obvious when stood looking up at it. Lets not red tape the fells as we have the rest of the country.

I guess the question about sighs is where do you stop? Every time someone has a problems do we place one? Ben Nevis would be just one big sign! The lakes would be just one big sighn too. I find that its peoples utter lack experience that causes such problems. Comments like, "its just the Cambrian fells" are all too common. Yes its not the Alps, but a short fall can lead to a fatality and its still a mountainous area, that demands knowledge and experience, (and appropriate kit).

However, to put it in context, the most dangerous part of most walks in the UK is the drive in the car to get there, (With just over 5 deaths a day last year on the UK roads).

The question to me, is how do we educate people into hill safety and awareness. The TV, for example, does not help, mostly programs are shot in good weather with little or no practical advice. That debacle of a program about natural navigation last year was a classic example. Walking in jeans in Welsh montains, without a map etc just gives the totally wrong impression. Bear Gryls is another example of poor outdoor education. Only Ray Mears tackles the subject well, but his programs cover mainly bushcraft, not walking.

The outdoor retail industry used to do a good job, but the rise of sheds selling false price pointed rubbish staffed by uninterested kids has resulted in the quality independents shrinking and loosing their knowledge base and hence advice.

Its a complex problem, but the seemingly endless rise in the number of mountain rescues and the already worrying death tole this year in the UK would suggest that the Outdoor world, in the UK, needs to start looking at how to address the problem.

Really hope the younge lad recovers well with no side effects.

Message for Bob Lay. There were 3 experienced adults with two 16 year old boys, two 13 year old boys and one 12 year old (who has since turned 13). They were all fully equipped with proper hiking attire, without a pair of trainers in sight. Three of the party had walked Jack's Rake on numerous occasions. Nobody was being 'irresponsible'; it was an unfortunate accident. You will be pleased to hear that the boy is now at home and is expected to make a full recovery. Please get your facts right before you judge other people.

To add I have just received an email from the boy who I know well and is the fittest and most sensible 12 year old you could ever meet. He is fine has just returned from spear fishing in Wales and is already planning his return to the Lake District to raise money for the MRT and air ambulance who clearly saved his life.

Just curious; having read the various comments above & having been up Jack's Rake before a few years ago - so just how did Mr Bob LAY see 'boys wearing trainers' if there weren't any & how did this bit get into his comments ? (presumably the boot fairies planted it for amusement...)

Such rumours don't always help in the aftermath of any accident & having been involved with clearing up/investigation of a few; owing to a previous career - I wish people would get their facts right before gobbing off & supplying such rubbish (usually) to the media.

Shame really, as he was obviously in the right place at the right time with his 'Good job I had my transceiver...' (seriously; do people carry these things - obviously they must do !?)

Glad to hear the lad is OK after all. Rant over.