North Van firefighters called to two trail rescues

District of North Vancouver firefighters were called out twice Tuesday to help injured hikers on North Shore trails.

Fire crews were first called about 5:30 p.m. to Twin Falls in Lynn Canyon to a report of an injured woman on a beach at the bottom of the falls.

The woman, in her 20s, told firefighters she’d been swimming in the pool and been caught in the current, injuring her ankle against some rocks.

Firefighters managed to carry her up a set of stairs to a trail above the falls and transport her to an ambulance, which took the injured hiker to Lions Gate Hospital for assessment.

Immediately following, firefighters received another call of a second hiker with an injured ankle – this time near an off-leash dog park area on Lynn Creek Trail. Fire crews again helped the hiker – another woman in her 20s – back to a waiting ambulance, which took her to hospital.

Assistant fire chief Brad Gaudette said it’s important for hikers to be prepared and especially when swimming in local rivers, to be aware of hidden dangers.

“I think [what] some people don’t realize is how cold the river water is,” he said, adding it’s important that swimmers bring extra clothing and floating devices.