WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, meaning goodbye to sunshine past 5:00 p.m.
So, how are mountain rescue teams responding to more calls related to hikers getting lost in the dark?
“We’ve learned from plenty of mistakes in the past,” said Mike Kenny of Burlington
Mike and Kate Kenny hike Mount Hunger in central Vermont frequently and are usually properly prepared.
After conversations with Waterbury backcountry rescuer Brian Lindner, this duo might bring some extra gear for their next expedition.
“He asked us if we always take two cell phones, so we confidently said yes, and then he said, ‘Do you make sure one’s always turned off as the backup?’ And we were both like, ‘Oh no, we don’t,’” said Kate.
“We never really know the situation until we get on scene,” said Lindler.
Lindner helped co-found the Waterbury backcountry rescue team in 2002. Since then, they’ve completed nearly 300 rescues. This year, they’re at a record high of 22 saves in one year, compared to nine last year.
Many calls have been related to dehydration, which Lindner attributes to the drought.
Natural water sources like streams have dried up.
“People are not carrying enough fluids and finding out in this drought situation, there’s no water in the backcountry this year,” said Lindler.
As the sun starts to set earlier, the rescue team has received more calls about hikers getting lost on the trails in the dark. With daylight savings ending this upcoming weekend, the sun will set even earlier. Lindner says hikers need to be aware of what time they choose to go.
“Too many people rely on cell phones as ‘this is my safety device,’” said Lindler.
Having a fully charged phone can sort of seem like a safety blanket, right? You can always call for help. However, some of these trails don’t have cell service at all, and the cooling temperatures outside can really drain your phone battery quicker than normal.
“More often than not, they’ve completely drained their cell phones trying to use those as flashlights,” said Lindler.
As we get closer to winter, he recommends bringing extra dry clothes, spikes for your shoes as it gets icier, keeping your phone underneath your layers to save the battery, and always having food and water. He says no matter the experience, an emergency can happen to anyone.
Under state law, rescue teams can send you a bill for the cost of their services, but Lindner says most don’t because they don’t want to discourage people from calling for help.
Copyright 2025 WCAX. All rights reserved.