Two hikers who got lost in Killarney Provincial Park on Tuesday are safe thanks to the effort of OPP officers and park rangers.
At 9:25 p.m. May 26, the Nipissing West (Sudbury) Detachment of the OPP responded to a report of two hikers who had become lost while hiking in the park.
The OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine (K9) Unit were deployed. Park rangers from Ontario Parks also took part in the search.
The search party located both hikers — men aged 28 and 30 years old from the Lively area — at around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The two men were in good health.
The OPP reminds all outdoor enthusiasts when taking any kind of short or long excursion to seriously consider the following:
- Advise someone the "exact location" of the excursion.
- Advise them of the duration of the excursion, even if it's only for the morning or afternoon.
- If possible, consult with local agencies to get recent information about the area.
- Have some sort of communication device with you at all times.
- Test your communication device as you travel to ensure it is working properly.
- Update your contact of your location and progress. (Knowing your location can save precious minutes during a rescue)
- Have a survival kit with you. A few examples might include things like flares, appropriate clothing, matches/lighter, saw, knife, food, map, compass, first aid kit, communication device, tarp for shelter, flash light.
- Have prescription medication with you for any pre-existing medical condition.
- Make sure to bring: water, sunscreen and bug repellent.
"We all enjoy the great outdoors, but the simplest of trips can turn deadly if we are not prepared. Taking a few minutes to prepare can possibly save your life,” said Insp. Michael Maville of the Nipissing West OPP Detachment.
The public is also reminded that only self-guided activities such as walking, hiking, biking, boating, paddling and fishing are currently permitted within provincial parks.
