(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON) – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) from the City of Kawartha Lakes was called to assist in locating an overdue hiker. A 55 year old, Mississauga man, had failed to return on Sunday, as expected, from a hike into Loon Lake. The hiker had started his hike from Black River Road.
His family called police on Monday September 14, 2015 in the morning to report he was overdue. OPP resources attended the area and a search began. Emergency Response Team (ERT) members used ATV’s and the OPP helicopter was also called to the area.
The helicopter located the campsite the hiker had used. The hiker had left a note detailing that he left the site at 9:30 am and was trying to hike out. Calls to the hiker’s cell phone had gone unanswered during the day.
The hiker was able to contact his family at 7:50 pm when he reached the Devil’s Lake Landing in Haliburton Highlands. Police then assisted in getting the hiker back to his vehicle. Medical treatment was declined.
Here are a few suggestions for having a safe trip into the wilderness:
1. Know your limits. You should plan a trip or activity that matches your experience, skills and fitness level. Overextending yourself or overestimating your skills could result in a dangerous situation which may require search and rescue.
2. If you want to expand your abilities, travel with an experienced friend or professional guide or take a course to improve your wilderness skills.
3. Leave a route plan with a friend or family member with an expected return date. Tell them to contact the appropriate authority if you do not return on time and have not contacted them about any delays.
4. Carry a cell phone if they work in the area you are visiting or carry a satellite phone for emergency calls.
5. Carry all necessary emergency equipment including a first aid kit, extra food and navigational aids.
6. Carry spare batteries for any GPS device and a map and compass for backup. Know how to use them.