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Climber Rescued In Squamish After Getting Leg Stuck

From the west coast to the Bugaboos, there's a long history of climbers getting their legs stuck in B.C. climber

A climber got their leg stuck on St. Bernard on The Apron in Squamish and rescue crews used dish soap to free her let. St. Bernard is a new three-pitch 5.9 close to St. Vitus Dance with a few wide crack sections. Within 24 hours, Squamish rescue got four calls, including from hikers and a paddler.

The rescue took around five hours. “We were able to move a rope team in via helicopter and rappel down to her and with some dish soap and a lot of work we were able to free her leg,” said search manager BJ Chute. “It’s a first for us in a long time. It is an unusual thing.”

The rescue was called in at 10:30 a.m. Friday morning. “There’s always a risk of getting things stuck, and she was very, very stuck,” added search manager Tyler Duncan. “It took just brute strength and force and her grinning and bearing it and we were able to get her out.”

“Our team has gone from being not busy to being extremely busy,” said Chute. “It is unusual historically for us to do this many calls mid-week.” Rescue crews are appealing for people heading into the backcountry to ensure they are well prepared, and where possible, not to put themselves in dangerous situations.

“Anything you can do to avoid risk, at this time, and probably through the summer, we really need the public to take that extra caution.” In the Bugaboos, a number of rescues on the Kain route have taken place after climbers have gotten their leg stuck.

In the video below, top climber Jason Kruk requires assistance after getting his leg stuck on a climb called Boogie Till Ya Puke, which was renamed Boogie Till Ya Poop. Watch the video below to find out why.

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?SAR volunteers province-wide found “hope and comfort” in a 50% drop in calls during last month.. . But these numbers spiked 35% in the first week of May… . “We’re an active, healthy province. We’re used to being in a fast, higher gear, per say, and it’s time to come from fifth gear down to second gear. As we all go out there, I’d like everyone to think of the volunteers as well. They’re leaving their family to help you, which they will, they then have to come back to their family. So the more we can reduce the number and severity of those calls, the better for everyone.”—Sandra Riches, CEO AdventureSmart BJ Chute of Squamish SAR said while preparation is always key, anyone planning to go out into a situation where they may have to call search and rescue should be more prepared than ever. “Now is a very real time to hear that message and ensure they are taking the essentials with them on every trip.“ says Chute. We’re not here to say don’t go. When you do go, stay local, stay in your community”—Sandra Riches, CEO AdventureSmart . BE KIND – be kind to other communities and recreate in your own community. (this helps SAR as well). . BE CALM – be calm on the trails, create space for other users. . BE SAFE – be safe by being prepared for your activities, recreate locally, wear PPE and choose low risk activities. . BE ADVENTURESMART! . . ?: @squamishsar . ➡️linkinbio for more on AdventureSmart: COVID19 and as always squamishaccess.ca for our own SAS resource⤴️

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Boogie Till Ya Poop

 

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