Aconcagua: What the law on promotions says and why the path of a minor sparked controversy

MENDOZA.- The rescue of a 13-year-old American boy in Aconcagua, victim of pulmonary edema and facial paralysis during the ascent while he was climbing with his father, sparked a series of questions about the authorization granted to the crossing. to minors.

As you may have known
THE NATION, The regulations in force for these cases provide for authorization after 14 years. However, there is a legal route to the exception, especially because there is case law in this regard. As in this case, there are parents who rely on the rights of parental authority to respond to their request, with additional requirements. In any case, every year, there are no more than three cases of children under this age who arrive at the Colossus of America, according to environmental authorities. Of course, members of the executive do not publish the specific age of this child to avoid encouraging the search for new registrations.

Henry's case turns his eyes on his mate: his father, Timothy Horvath, 48 years old. The man, mountain guide, felt that his son was able to undertake the journey and therefore performed the corresponding procedures.

Exceptions to regulation

"Our position is that we would prefer that these guys not be exposed to risk and we would feel more comfortable with the settlement, but we have this judicial problem of complying with the ruling," he said. that's why we think it's an issue that justice will need to consider, "he said. a
THE NATION Sebastián Melchor, Director of Renewable Natural Resources.

However, in Henry's case, nothing happened as planned. It is the Aconcagua rescue patrol that has managed to save him high up and then lower him to receive hospital care. The boy was stabilized at the hospital in the mountainous city of Uspallata and evolved favorably. He was released Tuesday night.

What does the regulation say

Melchor pointed out that current regulations do not allow the promotion of children under 14 years of age. However, it was pointed out that after several years of different protections and judicial measures taken by the parents, which had been entrusted to a family judge, an authorization had been granted to them, which objected to them. rights of parental authority. Thus, when it ruled in favor of these permits, the government must now apply for a promotion application, which goes through the legal advisory service, which dictates, taking into account certain aspects aimed at improving the security of the # 39; child. These are: insurance, evaluation guides experience, quality of shipping, equipment, among others. Then, the authorization of a scribe bearing the signature of both parents is expected.

"We avoid to encourage this type of acts, by not keeping official register of the punctual age of children under 14 years allowed to climb, as it is very likely that someone wants to do the minutes, "said the manager.

Health risks due to size

Moreover, according to medical specialists, it is appropriate to take into account nuances such as the preparation of minors and the experience in the matter, but it is generally understood that it is about "high-risk" activities, mainly because boys have not fully developed the cardiovascular and respiratory system. Therefore, the main recommendation for children is that climbing a hill like Aconcagua is not the most appropriate and indicated solution. In fact, they consider that between 15 and 16 years old, a young person should only perform this type of challenge.

So far this season, more than 7,000 people have obtained permission to advance, though until now, Henry has been the only one to be under 14 years old to get this approval. Among the kids who managed to reach the top is the record of a nine year old American, Tyler Armstrong, who completed the expedition in 2013, accompanied by his father.

"Younger people are more sensitive to the symptoms of height.It is important to determine if the child really wants to climb or if it is rather a problem. pressure exerted by the parents, "said Ignacio Rogé, a specialist in mountaineering.

In
The official website of Aconcagua, you can know the requirements for promotion, including minors.