Search-and-rescue officials are warning hikers to be careful following two difficult rescues in the Lower Mainland on the weekend.
Crews were called out to rescue a 34-year-old man who wandered off a rugged trail near Lions Bay Saturday and spent a night in the bush.
The man was found early Sunday morning and Tim Jones of North Shore Search and Rescue said it could have been much worse.
“We actually did a fatality in there about three or four years ago,” said Jones.
“They come down in the darkness, he’s lucky he didn’t fall and become a fatality.”
Jones said the shorter days and wet weather are hazardous for hikers.
The unnamed hiker wasn’t prepared for the brisk early-fall weather, he said.
“He was wet and cold and not ready for this environment,” Jones said.
Meanwhile, Chilliwack Search and Rescue was trying to get to a paraglider who crashed in foggy weather Saturday afternoon.
Mark Friesen of Chilliwack SAR said the steep terrain made the rescue dangerous and crews had to stop when it got too dark and treacherous to continue.
The paraglider was rescued early Sunday morning and sent to hospital in critical condition.
Rescue workers said those planning to spend time in the mountains need to be aware it gets dark much earlier this time of year.
Experts said people heading into the woods should also bring food, extra clothing, proper footwear, a flashlight and a phone.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger
