Stranded after off-roading, Salmon Arm teens call Mounties in for help

Three young Salmon Arm residents had to be saved from a potentially perilous predicament while off-roading, prompting Mounties to issue a call for better preparation before heading into the woods.

Two teens and another "young adult" made a call to Mounties June 20, at around 11 p.m., when their vehicle got stuck several kilometres into Shaw Road.

Staff Sgt. Scott West said in a press release issued today, June 22, the three were not prepared for an overnight stay in the woods and had limited ability to contact people as their mobile phones were dying.

"Because of the young age of these people, and the group not being prepared to spend the night in the woods, the officers attended," he said in the release.

"The officers spent quite a period of time locating the trio and then assisted in getting the 4×4 vehicle out of its predicament and mobile once again."

Once they three were extricated from the situation they were able to yet again head on their way, but Staff Sgt West said it's not the usual call for Mounties to have to take.

The issue was they were stranded, potentially overnight, and didn't have the means to stay safe.

For those who are headed into the woods in the future, Staff Sgt. West had some tips, including leaving a travel plan with a trusted adult, having good hiking shoes and carrying clothing and supplies sufficient for overnight.

These would include warm clothing, blankets food and water. 

Depending on the conditions, he said,  it is also advisable to have the ability and knowledge to make a safe campfire if needed. 


To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.