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Police/fire crews rescue mountain biker on river bank

Trail Champion
By Trail Champion
June 8th, 2021

On June 2, 2021 at 3:24 p.m., Trail and Greater District RCMP and Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue responded to a stranded cyclist who had overheated in the hot, sunny weather while mountain biking on the banks of the Columbia River near Sandpit Road in Sunningdale. The man was able to use his cell phone to contact his wife for help, who in turn contacted the Trail RCMP.

Two front line RCMP officers hiked from Sandpit Road to the man’s location to provide him with assistance. Those officers estimated temperatures in the region to be in excess of 40 degrees Celsius when they found the man, who appeared to be suffering from serious dehydration.

KBRFR and Trail RCMP were able quickly extract the mountain biker without further incident from the area via boat on the Columbia River.

The 63-year-old Trail man was transported to hospital, as a precaution, for a full medical examination.

The Trail RCMP note that battery assisted pedal bikes (e-bikes) have the ability to take the trail riding enthusiast farther into the back country than ever before, with relative ease. This can make it easy for the e-bike rider to forget about the high temperatures until it is too late.

Trail RCMP recommend avoiding biking in extreme summer heat. If you decide to take this risk, please be well prepared for exertion in the hot weather by:

  • drinking, at minimum, 1 litres of water per hour of activity;
  • carrying a cell phone or satellite communication device in case a sudden and unexpected emergency;
  • wearing sunscreen or protective clothing to protect you from the sun, in addition to a helmet;
  • knowing the signs of dehydration that include thirst, headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and vomiting;
  • Partnering up with a friend, or group of friends;
  • telling someone where you are going and when you plan to be back, and as always wearing a helmet;

Categories: General

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