Apart from rescuing lost and injured tourists, hikers, climbers and all of those who properly equipped or completely unequipped set sails (read, feet) on discovering Croatia's natural beauties, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) has once more confirmed their title ''The Communicator of the Year''.
Whilst others pour their money, often state budget money, into hiring a whole army of PR experts, two of the HGSS members Christian Nikolic and Jadran Kapovic administrate the HGSS social media profiles by themselves.
The HGSS posts are informative but with an obvious dose of sharp cynicism. ''It is very simple – we are part of the people. This kind of communication common people understands much better than dull notices or technical announcements. People in Croatia are swamped with unclear messages every day, however, ambiguity in our work (search and rescue) leads to victims, both material and personal. Besides, we have succeeded in want we wanted; we attracted people's attention, provide them with a clear message and they took us seriously'', explained members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) last year.
Over the past few days HGSS tweeted several informative-humorous messages such as the sign with a crossed out flip flops with an additional message ''Dear tourists, NO means NO'', alluding to mountaineering amateurs who decide to explore mountain tops wearing inadequate clothes and beach shoes.
A month ago after a successful rescue of two tourists from the Czech Republic who climbed a medieval fortress while a strong northern wind ‘bura’ blew, HGSS posted ''Dear tourists, we told you. Google bura. It is not a joke!''
Considering the extreme heat over the past few days, they also advised tourists on their profile by writing, ''Dear tourists, it’ll be extremely hot in Cro next week, mainland especially. Hydrate! Drinking alcohol isn’t hydrating. It's getting drunk!''
Recently HGSS referred to the global bizarre trend known as Cheeky Exploits, which implies taking a photo of one's naked background. ''Dear tourists, before you set off on Cheeky Exploits, please check where you stand. You do not want us to find you with your pants down''.
