Hikers must be prepared

Photo: VSAR-Trevor Honigman

Vernon Search and Rescue aid hiker suffering from hypothermia.

Hikers and other people using the back country are being urged to be prepared due to changing weather conditions, with proper clothing and survival gear.

Twice this month already, Vernon Search and Rescue has been called out to aid in the search for hikers.

Last Sunday, a team was called in by the RCMP to conduct a search for a missing couple in the Twin Lakes area of the Monashee mountains, north of Cherryville.

VSAR responded with trucks and ATVs and made contact with the couple about 25 km from Cherryville, on their way out of the area. 

The couple had hiked into Twin Lakes the evening before and set up camp, however about one foot of snow accumulated overnight and they were unable to find the trail back out. A group of passing hikers was able to direct the couple towards the parking lot. Vernon Search and Rescue crews escorted the subjects, who were in good condition, back to Cherryville. 

Then on Thursday, search and rescuers were back out, this time in the Bella Vista area, where they found a male hiker in his 70s suffering from hypothermia.

"Vernon Search and Rescue reminds the public to be aware of the changing conditions in the high country," said a posting on the group's Facebook page. "Good weather in the valley bottom does not guarantee the same conditions in high mountain environments.

"Hunters, ATV riders and hikers must be prepared for winter weather from now on. Dress for winter conditions, carry appropriate survival supplies and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back."