Triple Call-out on Last Day of Summer
- Ed Langford, LBSAR Manager
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
LBSAR breaks record with busiest season ever
The last full day of summer was a busy one for Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR).
The team has already surpassed its average annual call volume, making 2025 the busiest year in LBSAR history. On average, the volunteer crew responds to around 30 calls each year — but with nearly two months left in the season, they’ve already been tasked to 33 rescues.
Just last night alone, LBSAR was called to three separate incidents, a reminder of how busy the team remains as fall approaches.
As summer winds down and the hiking season turns toward cooler fall temperatures, there has been no slowdown for LBSAR.
Recent Calls
On September 6, the team dealt with a serious mountaineering call for a stuck hiker on the Harvey North Ramp — not a marked hiking trail. The following day, LBSAR assisted a family of five benighted near Tunnel Bluffs after losing their vehicle keys. On September 10 the team fielded a call for assistance from hikers on Mt. Brunswick. Then on September 16, a party of two required assistance on Mt. Brunswick when one hiker was unable to continue walking.
The last official day of summer, LBSAR fielded three calls in one evening. Just at sundown, two separate calls came in simultaneously.
On the Lions, two hikers attempted to summit; one strayed from the scramble trail and ended up stranded on steep, blocky terrain on the main face of the West Lion. Fortunately, his partner recognized the difficulty and did not follow. Fighting limited daylight hours, LBSAR immediately deployed members to the ridge, scrambled to the subject and secured him. As darkness fell on the Lions call, North Shore Rescue was placed on standby with night vision capability for a potential hoist. Thanks to efficient teamwork, LBSAR was able to return the subject to the helicopter pickup location, completing a rare night extraction back to the village.
Meanwhile near Deeks Creek, a party of two exiting from the Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT) disturbed an active wasp nest. A 27-year-old hiker suffered a systemic reaction to the stings breaking out in hives, triggering a medical rescue. Members were flown in to intercept the couple and guide them down to a waiting LBSAR rescue truck.
Then, at 11 p.m., a third call came in for a pair of hikers attempting the HSCT from Cypress to Porteau Cove. The female hiker was immobilized by severe back pain and a hip flexor injury. After consultation with the team doctor, and with the couple equipped with a tent and sleeping bags, the urgency was downgraded until morning. Dehydration was considered a contributing factor. The following morning, low clouds hindered the initial helicopter approach but eventually a window of opportunity presented itself for the team to get inserted and walk the subject and her partner to the extraction point.
Safety Reminders
Many of this season’s calls have stemmed from inadequate hydration. As the days shorten, hikers are reminded to:
Carry extra clothing for cooling evening temperatures (hovering around 10-13 degrees and about 5-6 degrees at elevation)
Bring a reliable light source — never rely on a cell phone as your only flashlight. Bring a spare battery.
Keep your phone charged and reserved for emergency calls to 911. Call sooner than you think with fading daylight hours.
Bright coloured clothing is much easier for SAR to spot when looking for subjects in need of assistance. Many of today’s hikers are dressed in black or earth-toned clothing, making them nearly impossible to locate.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue would like to thank the residents of our community for their continued support. Your encouragement, understanding, and generosity allow our volunteers to keep answering the call when help is needed most.
Editor's Note: LBSAR provides rescue services without question or charge. Donations to help replace equipment and gear can be made HERE.
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Thank you so much for keeping the residents aware of the superior efforts and skills of LBSR.
Yet another reason that orange is my favourite colour. Thank you very much for this great piece.