CALIFORNIA OUTWARD BOUND HIKERS TURN UP SAFE AMID SEARCH
(Golden, CO- June 25, 2008)- Nine students and two instructors walked into a rural store in Florence Lake, California, Wednesday afternoon, safe and sound, unaware that they were being searched for, as search teams from Outward Bound and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department looked for them in adjacent areas by land and air.
The group had not appeared for a scheduled rendezvous late Saturday with a third instructor, who was temporarily carrying the group’s satellite phone. He initiated a search, joined the next day by two senior Outward Bound field staff. The group was not scheduled to complete their hike until Friday June 27 and had adequate provisions, but when they had not been spotted by Tuesday, Outward Bound safety procedures led the organization to contact additional search and rescue resources and notify parents. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department responded with ground searchers and air support.
Once they appeared, instructors for the Outward Bound group said they had accidentally walked beyond their planned course area , reassessed their situation, and altered their route. Students knew one instructor was out of contact with the crew, but continued their course.
“We appreciate the response and support offered by the Fresno County Sheriff, his staff, and everyone who assisted in this search,” says John Read, President and CEO of Outward Bound. “Our instinct was that our hikers and staff were fine, but it was important that they be located to confirm this. Outward Bound’s mission is to inspire character development in people through challenge and adventure. Our goal is to help them achieve more than they thought possible, but always with safety in mind.”
