With the warm summer weather starting to give way to a cooler, rainy fall, Coquitlam Search and Rescue is reminding hikers to be prepared when they head into the woods.
SAR search manager Michael Coyle said temperatures can turn quickly and the days are getting shorter, which can make conditions treacherous for people exploring the back country.
It is important that hikers bring the 10 essentials (see sidebar), even if they are only going on a short outing, he added.
“In the summer, it is easy going,” he told The Tri-City News. “There’s long days, warm temperatures. As the fall comes along, it is cooler and more unstable weather. A small mistake can have big consequences.”
Evidence of what the shorter days and changing weather patterns can have on hikers was on display Sunday. A father and son were returning from a hike in the Norton Lake area when they missed one of their trail tape markers and got turned around. With darkness approaching, the duo decided to set up a tent and spend the night in the woods. When they were still not able to find their way out the following morning, search and rescue was called and a helicopter was dispatched.
The pair were eventually spotted shivering following Monday’s quick rainstorm.
“They were cold,” Coyle said. “You get these forecasts but it is hard to say how bad it is going to get.”
Another pair were on the Diez Vista Trail Saturday when it got dark and they were unable to go any further. SAR was called and its volunteers were able to bring the couple flashlights and help them navigate back to the parking lot.
“It got dark and they said they couldn’t make it out of there,” Coyle said. “It was a simple rescue. Sometimes people attempt to continue on their own and end up hurting themselves.”
Coyle said hikers are often reticent to call for help. There is a shame component, he said, noting that some hikers have difficulty admitting that they are lost, increasing their reluctance to call for help.
Others are under the mistaken impression they will have to pay to be rescued.
“Everyone should know that rescue is free in B.C.,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to call if you need help.”
@gmckennaTC
10 ESSENTIALS
• flashlight and spare batteries
• extra food and water
• extra clothing (rain, wind and water protection)
• navigational aids (map, compass, GPS, chart, radio, mobile phone)
• fire starter
• first aid kid
• emergency shelter
• sun protection
• pocket knife
• signalling device
– source: Coquitlam SAR
