Lost hiker found in Thetis Lake Regional Park after not listening to 911 dispatcher

Police say a hiker that was lost in Thetis Lake Regional Park over the weekend was found hours after ignoring instructions from a 911 dispatcher.

On Aug. 31, at approximately 10 p.m., West Shore RCMP got a call from a lost hiker in the park. The hiker said they lost their way after sunset.

According to police, a 911 dispatcher told the hiker to stay put as help was coming but the hiker ignored this direction and continued to walk around the park.

West Shore RCMP and Metchosin Search and Rescue went to the park. Police then used phone tracing technology to try and find the hiker. West Shore RCMP said the search was long and drawn out as the hiker was constantly moving.

The hiker was found at 3 a.m. on Sept. 1.

We want to remind anyone who is calling 911 to please listen to the directions of the police dispatcher. Significant efforts were put into locating this lost hiker and the process would undoubtedly been easier had the hiker stayed put, Const. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP media relations officer, said in a release.

West Shore RCMP are also reminding hikers to let someone know what path they are planning on taking and when they expect to be home. Hikers who are lost are advised to stay on the trail and stay put until help arrives.

Editorial Policies Report an Error