Entrance to Peterson Creek

(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS - After performing a handful of rope rescues in the first few weeks of spring, Kamloops Fire Rescue is hoping new signs will deter people from testing their rock climbing skills.

The fire department has responded to four rope rescues in the Peterson Creek area in the past few weeks, with a total of five rope rescues in the city so far this year.

That's already more than last year's total number of rope rescues the department responded to, Kamloops Fire Rescue told iNFOnews.ca last week.

But people still aren't getting the message to have common sense and safety when exploring local trails.

Asst. Chief of operations Robb Schoular says a new, large sign with several pictograms has been installed at the park, and two more smaller signs are expected to be installed tomorrow.

He adds that if you're an inexperienced rock climber trying out the rock face in the Peterson Creek area, you're putting yourself in serious danger, which could include death, severe injury, hypothermia, and severe trauma. But it's not just yourself you're putting at risk.

"We’re putting our own members at increased risk as well by attending rescues," Schoular says. "If it’s unsafe for the public, it’s unsafe for us."

He says if you're in the area to walk and appreciate the beauty of nature, you can do so on the trails.

The signs warn of falling rocks, mudslides, fall hazards, and advise hikers to not deviate from the trails. Schoular compares it to when skiers veer off trails and get themselves in danger.

"You could die, somebody else could die or get injured trying to help you," Schoular says. 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ashley Legassic or call 250-319-7494 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.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2018