CALGARY – Southern Albertans have been treated to warm and sunny weather over the summer.
It’s drawn many people outside – sometimes into areas they aren’t prepared for.
Parks Canada says this year has been one of the busiest summers ever for mountain rescues. As many as ten stranded and lost hikers have had to be rescued over just the past three days.
It can cost up to $3,000 if a helicopter is called in for a search and rescue.
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A chopper was used to airlift Calgary climber Keith Sanford off Mount Goodsir last month. He says no one wants to end up in that situation but the rescue service is indispensable.
“People need to understand it is an essential service and while you may criticize people for getting a free ride down it really isn’t. We all benefit from it some way, some shape, we are all taxpayers, it was our turn.”
Neither Keith nor his climbing partner was injured. They used a special GPS beacon to call for help when they became lost.
Three women from Calgary were also rescued in mid-August after getting lost during a three-day hike in Kananaskis. It took search and rescue crews three days to find them because they kept moving locations. RCMP had to pay over $13,000 in helicopter costs to locate them. The women did not have a GPS beacon.
RCMP advise hikers to carry a SPOT GPS device so rescue crews can locate them immediately if they become lost. Hikers should also remain in one spot.
They also stress that hikers should know their skill limits and always be properly equipped with extra food and clothing.
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