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Penticton Search and Rescue saves disoriented hiker

A man became disoriented and called for help from the Mahoney Lake area Monday afternoon
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(Contributed)

Penticton Search and Rescue (PENSAR) rescued a disoriented hiker Monday afternoon (March 14).

PENSAR attended the Mahoney Lake area at about 1:30 p.m. after the man called for assistance.

Seventeen search and rescue members from Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos, alongside three RCMP members and two search dogs, assisted with the search.

READ MORE: Penticton RCMP recover more than 100 stolen car keys

According to search and rescue manager Anne Benn, the hiker did everything properly.

“Once the individual knew they were lost, they remained calm, moved into an open area and stopped moving, called police right away for help which allowed search and rescue resources to be mobilized early giving them the advantage of using valuable daylight to find him. Further, the hiker advised searchers they were wearing a bright-jacket and had some food and water,” Benn said.

As the search progressed into the later part of the afternoon, a helicopter located the hiker around 5 p.m. Searchers loaded the hiker and flew them back to the search command area, where paramedics assessed him.

With more people venturing outside as the weather warms up, PENSAR urges locals to make sure they have the basics with them.

“If you know you are lost, do not hesitate to call for rescue. It’s free, and calling early makes our job faster, easier and safer,” said Benn.

PENSAR also suggests visiting AdventureSmart.ca for tips on how to stay safe outdoors.

READ MORE: Penticton approves multi-million dollar Skaha Lake Park revamp



jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.com

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Jesse Day

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