Swiftwater Rescue Headlines March 2008
Officials Urge Caution... | Officials Urge Caution When Hiking |
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WASHINGTON -- Montgomery County's swift water
rescue teams said their busy season is just beginning following the
rescue of an injured hiker on Monday.
Across the region, emergency personnel get ready when there is a possibility of high water. "Most of us know the areas that are susceptible to flooding, any low-lying areas," said Pete Piringer with the Montgomery County Fire Department. "We certainly don't want anybody or expect anybody to drive through any kind of moving water." Most of the incidents handled by the Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department swift water rescue team involve the Potomac River, where an injured hiker was rescued on Monday."We respond to Billy Goat Trail more often than anywhere on the Potomac River. That's our most frequent call for people being injured," said Capt. Frank Doyle with the Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department. On the rugged trail, it's often easier, safer and quicker to get injured people out via the river, not the trail.
"It could take us up to an hour or two hours to carry someone out by land, and that would take a lot of manpower," Doyle said.Still,
the trail is popular with hikers, and there are parts that can
challenge even the most able and experienced outdoor enthusiasts."It's
not for beginners," said Bill Line of the National Park Service. "We
welcome people. We encourage people to get out on the Billy Goat Trail,
but know what you're getting into."Experts recommend packing the right gear, including footwear, before heading out."Otherwise, you'll slip, you'll fall," said hiker Liz Leader. "You'll crack your head open.""Too often we see people, especially during summer months, coming out here in high heels or flip-flops," Line said.Signs at trail heads warn hikers about dangers, and incidents are down lately, but experts said they still happen."If you think you're in good physical shape, it will challenge you," Line said.Experts
recommend taking a cell phone if you go hiking and said to let people
know where you're going. Don't hike alone, they advised.
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