The two hikers rescued from a ridge near Vancouver Island鈥檚 Mount Albert Edward on Wednesday say they have learned a valuable lesson. It was also a costly lesson.
It鈥檚 a story with a happy ending 鈥� Jean-Simon Lessard and Christopher Yao are safe and well after being stranded for four days in frigid weather, a situation that could have had fatal consequences. They admit their poor judgment in proceeding on their expedition after being warned of poor weather.
Almost every wilderness rescue generates suggestions that those who are rescued be fined or billed for the costs of the rescue. This week鈥檚 operation, involving Comox Search and Rescue and 19 Wing Comox, cost taxpayers dearly 鈥� the operation of a helicopter alone can cost about $3,000 an hour.
Billing people for rescues is not a good idea. Fearing the expense, friends and family of a lost hiker might hesitate to call for help and embark on their own rescue operation, something better left to professionals and experienced volunteers.
Furthermore, it would require difficult judgment calls about who should be billed. Is there a substantial difference between a lost hiker and a motorist who goes over a steep embankment along the Trans-sa国际传媒 Highway?
Nevertheless, hikers and adventurers need to remember that when they take risks, they endanger not only themselves, but those who might be called upon to take part in search and rescue operations. The cost incurred could very well exceed that which is calculated in dollars.
