An apparent fun night out with friends took a dangerous turn for a teenager who had to be rescued near the summit of Lion’s Head.
The incident occurred over the weekend and involved dehydration, heat stroke, and possible intoxication, according to Kosta Papageorgiou, the chairperson of Friends of Lions Head and Signal Hill.
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Papageorgiou, who was on his daily summit trek, stumbled upon a party taking place at the summit. The party featured a deejay, electronic DJ equipment, a generator, and a mixing table.
Concerned for the safety of the attendees, Papageorgiou immediately alerted Search and Rescue officials, the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement officials, and South African National Parks Operations.
Upon closer inspection, Papageorgiou noticed music equipment in bags and empty alcohol bottles scattered around.
He also discovered a teenager lying on the ground, surrounded by people attempting to help. Checking the teen’s pulse and engaging in conversation, Papageorgiou learned that the boy had been consuming alcohol.
Rescue teams swiftly arrived to attend to the teenager. After stabilising him, they carefully guided him down the trail path using a harness.
Eventually, the teen was reunited with a family member who drove him home. Fortunately, the young individual did not sustain any injuries.
David Nel, spokesperson for Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), expressed gratitude that the situation did not escalate further. He emphasised the importance of responsible enjoyment of wilderness spaces, urging individuals to respect the environment, be considerate towards fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and adhere to park rules.
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Instances like this serve as a reminder to prioritise safety and exercise caution when engaging in recreational activities.
It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption and to make responsible choices to ensure a pleasant and incident-free experience in nature’s beauty.
