On the heels of their busiest year ever, the tireless volunteers of Vancouver's North Shore Rescue team are turning to humour to highlight the not-so-funny ways people get themselves in trouble — and sometimes killed — when heading into the local mountains.

In an article entitle "10 Ways to Get Yourself Killed this Winter", author and rescue volunteer Curtis Jones takes a reverse psychology approach in listing the most common reason people end up needing rescuing.

The article makes it clear that the purpose of the list is to encourage individuals to do exactly the opposite.

North Shore Rescue rescuing a woman from the Needles in Lynn Valley Headwaters Park. (YouTube)

According to the list the number one way to "get yourself killed" is: "Do not tell anyone where you are going or when to expect you back."

"If we don't know you are lost, or where to look, it is likely we will not find you," writes Jones.

Other ways to "get yourself killed" include "If you get lost just keep going and going and going...", "Do not wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the environment" and "Never turn around or alter plans when conditions change."

"If you follow this list you are very likely not going to come back from your adventure," writes Jones.

Ducking into out-of-bounds areas is a good way to end up lost and needing rescue. (North Shore Rescue)

Jones notes that the current sunny weather and scenic snow capped North Shore mountains are a magnet for people, but it's important to remember the inherent dangers and to prepare properly, even when heading out for short outing.

The article also highlights the dangers of ducking into out-of-bounds areas when skiing or snowboarding, noting on the North Shore it "almost always means you are heading into steep, slippery, uncontrolled terrain which often ends in a really big waterfall."

Check out the full list from NSR