Three missing hikers were located by Kitimat Search and Rescue Service (KSARS) just before 7:30 p.m. on April 21 after they became lost near the Smith Street and Golf Course Trail network.
The 6 p.m. rescue call rallied 14 members of the Kitimat SARS in two teams assisting the RCMP in the search. KSARS stated that the hikers were poorly equipped and unable to spend the night in the near-freezing temperatures
While the search and rescue had a positive outcome, KSARS issued a warning to locals using the trails.
“We also remind residents to be properly prepared if something were to happen while on your adventure and you had to spend the night in the outdoors,” KSARS stated in a social media post.
Kitimat RCMP also took the opportunity to issue a reminder to the community to adventure safely by issuing a list of hiking safety tips to ensure hikers make it to their destination if something unexpected happens:
Let someone know where you will be hiking; make sure they know your phone number; always let that person know when you’ve arrived back safely; never hike alone; always take a map, compass, food and emergency gear; bring equipment to start a fire and stay warm; assume you could be out overnight; drive with caution on all logging and out of service roads; go out with a fully charged cell phone, it could help retrieve coordinates if you get lost; stick to designated trails; be aware of weather and trail conditions as well wildlife in the area.
For more information about preparing for your next backcountry activity, visit adventuresmart.ca.
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