Three people were brought to safety, one of which had to be taken to hospital for injuries, thanks to efforts by Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR).
Over a span of three days, local volunteers were called to find a biker, hiker and kayaker in three different locations and had to deploy bikes, helicopter and boat to rescue them.
On Saturday (Sept. 10), crews were activated after receiving a report of a man that suffered a serious injury to his neck while mountain biking near Eagle Mountain's "Couples Therapy" trail.
With help from Port Moody firefighters, the biker was packaged and hoisted up via a long line rescue by Talon Helicopters. SAR's E-bike team also responded as they had been training in the area when the report was made.
He was brought to Eagle Mountain Park where he was transferred into the care of BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and taken to hospital.
According to TrailForks.com, the "Couples Therapy" trail is a natural downhill singletrack surface with a drop, rock face and ladder bridge.
But it has a black diamond difficulty rating and experts say it can be very dangerous when it rains.
TrailForks.com recommends bikers, hikers and trail runners to wait for two days after it rains to safely use the Eagle Mountain route.
The same afternoon, local volunteers were sent to Maple Ridge to help Ridge Meadows SAR crews rescue a 52-year-old woman that had been hiking.
Meanwhile, a kayaker was found safely two days earlier on Pitt Lake east of Coquitlam Mountain.
Coquitlam SAR was alerted by RCMP around 9 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 8).
In addition to deploying its own boat, Ridge Meadows SAR's marine team, North Shore Rescue and Talon Helicopters were called in to use infrared and night-vision cameras to search for the missing person.
The boater was found around 11:30 p.m., a SAR post explained, and was brought safely to Grant Narrows Park in the Pitt–Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
As a result of the incidents, Coquitlam SAR is encouraging everyone to think ahead before venturing out in provincial parks and local mountains to consider wearing appropriate gear.
This could include microspikes on shoes for better grip on icier trails and near cliffs, as well as winter coats, toques and gloves.
For more information on outdoor recreation trip planning, you're encouraged to visit Coquitlam SAR's website.
The organization also lists the following 10 essentials to consider bringing when heading out into the backcountry:
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Extra Food and Water
- Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection)
- Navigational Aids (map, compass, altimeter, GPS, chart, radio, mobile phone)
- Fire Starter
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Shelter
- Sun Protection
- Pocket knife
- Signalling Device
