It was another busy weekend for rescue crews on Metro Vancouver’s hiking trails.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue was called in to assist a group of three men in their twenties just after 3 p.m. Sunday on Howe Sound Crest Trail.
The men were suffering from heat exposure, despite being fairly well prepared – they had brought 12 litres of water with them to share.
Crews were able to land a helicopter near the hikers, and safely evacuated them.
The same helicopter was used again later in the day to rescue a man who hurt his back on the Hanes Valley Trail around 6 p.m.
North Shore Rescue says the hiker delayed calling 911 because he is from the US and was worried about being billed for the rescue – an unfounded fear.
“We want to emphasize to everybody that it doesn't cost anything, you're not going to get a bill, and to call us early,” said Allan McMordie, search manager with North Shore Rescue.
Crews say the American hiker did call them while it was still daylight, making it easier to quickly wrap up the rescue.
