Las Vegas – On Wednesday, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Search and Rescue team rescued four hikers, among them a 6‑year‑old child, after two separate groups encountered trouble on the trails surrounding Red Rock Canyon.
Rescue details
The first call came from a group that had strayed off‑trail on Frenchman Mountain and became stuck. A second call involved a party that lost its way near Turtlehead Peak. Both incidents required the deployment of a Metro helicopter and the expertise of the all‑volunteer Red Rock Search and Rescue organization.
John Jensen, public information officer for Red Rock Search and Rescue, explained that volunteers use lightweight titanium rescue baskets to lower injured hikers several miles to safety. “We will load the person into the basket and carry them down,” Jensen said.
Why preparation matters
With cooler temperatures drawing more visitors to popular outdoor spots, Jensen warned that even a short hike can quickly become hazardous when the sun sets or temperatures drop. “People have rolled their ankles on what they thought was a short little hike, and one injury has stopped them from moving, and now they need help getting out,” he noted.
Rescue crews emphasized three simple steps for safe hiking: tell someone your intended route and expected return time, bring extra water, and pack layers for changing weather. “Stick to that plan or let them know if the plan has changed, so if you’re not back, we can start efforts to locate you,” Jensen advised.
Footwear and gear
Local hiker Gabby Lubreno, who was among those rescued, stressed the importance of proper footwear. “Don’t wear Birkenstocks. Wear tennis shoes at least. There are a lot of rocks, and it’s steep. Wear the proper footwear,” she said.
She added that the recent time change means darkness arrives earlier, increasing the risk for hikers who are unprepared for early nightfall.
Volunteer support
Red Rock Search and Rescue relies on volunteers and community donations to fund its operations. The organization encourages residents to support its mission, whether through monetary contributions or by volunteering their time and skills.
For more information on how to assist or to learn about safety guidelines, visit the Red Rock Search and Rescue website at redrocksar.org or the LVMPD Search and Rescue page at lvmpdsar.org.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
