British Columbia

Woman in hospital with serious injuries after rescue from Gold Creek Falls

Crews from Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue and the Maple Ridge Fire Department responded around 6 p.m. Saturday, after reports that a woman had gone over the waterfalls.

The woman fell into Gold Creek Falls and was swept over on Saturday evening

Maple Ridge Fire had a team on the water making their way to the woman, while a Ridge Meadows SAR team hiked in from West Canyon to meet the group. (Rafferty Baker/CBC)

A young woman is in hospital with serious injuries, after being rescued from Gold Creek Falls in Golden Ears Park.

Crews from both Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue and the Maple Ridge Fire Department responded around 6 p.m. Saturday, after reports that a woman had gone over the waterfalls.

Search Manager Rick Laing with Ridge Meadows SAR says people have died while swimming in that area before.

Water rushes down the Lower Gold Creek Falls in Golden Ears Park, Maple Ridge. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

"It's an inviting looking body of water, but its very dangerous," said Laing. "It's just not a place that recommended to be swimming."

One man in the group went swimming in a pool above the lower Gold Creek Falls, when he got into trouble. Another woman in the group attempted to help him, but fell in and was swept over the waterfall.

Two other members of the group went to the bottom of the falls, crossed the river, and helped the young woman out of the water.

Laing says the Maple Ridge Fire Department had a team on the water making their way to the woman, while a Ridge Meadows SAR team hiked in from West Canyon to meet the group and provide aid.

"With the water temperature and the amount of water going over, it could've ended up a lot worse," said Laing.

The young woman was taken to hospital with injuries to her head, arms and legs. The other three members of the group were all safe, although they may have some mild hypothermia.