Firefighters rescue hikers, including 4-year-old, stranded in snow at Pinecrest Lake

Four hikers, including a 4-year-old child, were rescued Sunday evening after becoming stranded at Pinecrest Lake, the Tuolumne County Fire Department reported.

Firefighters stationed near Pinecrest responded to the call at about 5:30 p.m., the department said in a post on its Facebook page Monday. They were joined by sheriff’s deputies, the county search and rescue team and Tuolumne County Ambulance personnel.

Four volunteer firefighters on snowshoes hiked 45 minutes to the back of the lake, where they found four people “unprepared for conditions, including one four year old with mild hypothermia”.

The firefighters provided food, water, dry socks and heating pads, then hiked them out.

The return hike took nearly 90 minutes, authorities said. “Several times during the walk back (firefighters) helped carry the child.”

Firefighters issued a warning to those who might want to hike around the popular Pinecrest area.

“Winter hiking around the lake is not for beginners. In these conditions be prepared for all situations and know your limitations. Speak to friends and research how long the hike takes during these conditions and add a margin for error or delay before you start out.”

Authorities also suggested the following tips from North Country Trail for winter hikers:

▪ Never go out alone and make sure someone knows where you are going. Let a family member or friend know when you’ll be out on the trail and when you expect to return.

▪ Beware of reduced visibility.

▪ Carry a map, water, food, safety gear, a first-aid kit and a shelter.

▪ Wear proper footwear.

▪ Beware of hypothermia.

▪ Stay hydrated.

This story was originally published January 3, 2022 at 12:59 PM.