Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) played a critical role in ensuring the safety of hikers during this year’s Cableway Charity Challenge, which raised funds for three charities. The WSAR teams were strategically positioned along the course to respond to any incidents that may have occurred.
Incident 1: Ill Hiker on Lion’s Head
A 21-year-old hiker lost consciousness during the challenge as they left Lion’s Head’s summit. She felt sick and was unable to continue. The hiker was taken down the trail in a Metro Police/Law Enforcement – City of Cape Town vehicle after resting on a bench at the location and receiving medical attention from the WSAR medical team. Before her companions drove her home, the medical team evaluated her.
Incident 2: Hiker with Sprained Ankle
An ankle sprain occurred to a hiker in her forties while ascending Platteklip Gorge. A family member assisted her down the mountain and transported her to the hospital after the WSAR sent team members to her location halfway up the path.
Incident 3: Injured Hiker with Dog
At the intersection of India Venster and the Contour Path, a participant suffered a self-inflicted injury during the Cableway Charity Challenge. The 29-year-old hiker’s ankle had been injured while pulling his dog. The WSAR team helped carry him back down the trail to the road when he was unable to continue. A family member safely took down his dog, and friends drove him to the hospital.
Incident 4: Injured Hiker on Platteklip Gorge
In the fourth incident, a 36-year-old hiker hurt her ankle as she was leaving Platteklip Gorge. A rescue crew was sent out right away, and they hiked right over to where she was. She was helped back down to the road gradually.
Gratitude and Safety Precautions
Johann Marais, a spokesperson for WSAR, expressed his gratitude to the participants and event organizers for raising charity funds. He also thanked all WSAR team members for their continued support in ensuring mountain safety in the Western Cape and wished all the patients a speedy recovery.
It’s critical to remember that these occurrences can occur to anyone. To protect their safety while on the trails, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts must take all required precautions. This entails having adequate water on hand, dressing appropriately, wearing the proper footwear, letting others know your intended path and anticipated return time, and always being aware of your surroundings. Following these easy procedures, you may help prevent accidents and guarantee a safe and enjoyable hiking trip.
