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Gene Kennedy reporting It's been an active season for search and rescue crews. Yesterday a woman fell 30 feet while hiking in Alpine, and that was just one of a few rescues this weekend in Utah County.
The first warm weather in a few weeks is bringing hikers out. But all need to be so careful, because in seconds, you can be caught in a dangerous circumstance.
A 20-year-old South Jordan woman slipped on rocks and fell 30 feet while hiking in Dry Creek Canyon in Alpine yesterday. She hit her head, lost consciousness and had to be airlifted, but rescuers say she'll be OK. That woman joins a growing list of recent rescued hikers.
Sgt. Tom Hodson, with the Utah County Sheriff's Office, said, "We actually had two calls yesterday in Utah County, and this is the third one in less than 24 hours."
Last month two women got stuck on ledges in Provo Canyon. Another hiker fell 50 feet in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Rescuers know this is bound to happen, but tonight Sgt. Hodson is reminding experienced and first-time hikers, "Obviously, let someone know where you're going. Don't go by yourself."
Also, make sure you have the basics: enough food, water, proper shoes and, according to Patrick Killoran who works in REI's camping department, "If there's one essential piece of clothing you need, it's a good waterproof layer, because if you get wet in the springtime, your body temperature can go down really quickly."
Often times, rescuers are sent to find people who are simply lost. So GPS tracking devices have become increasingly popular for hikers. But REI employees say a common mistake is when hikers rely solely on the GPS and they ignore the tried and true basics, like a compass or a map.
In yesterday's Alpine accident, rescuers say the young woman was prepared, and her father was with her. Some rescues are bound to happen, but experienced rescuers will tell you, many are avoidable if people take the proper precautions.
E-mail: gkennedy@ksl.com
