Officials warn of hiking in extreme heat

Hiking South Lykken Trail in muggy, triple digit heat is something Skip Rutzick of Palm Springs is used to.

“At this time of the day it would be rare to see anybody,” Rutzick said. “I’ve done it for 12 years and I’ve hiked it thousands of times.”

In fact, Rutzick says he even enjoys these torrid temps.

“I think you get double your money,” he said of the workout.

But hiking in these conditions, Rutzick knows you need to be prepared.

“I have a water tube I have access to it at all times,” he said pointing to the tube supplying water from his backpack.

Palm Springs police, PSFD and Mounted Police Search and Rescue helped rescue a stranded couple from the South Lykken Trail Monday morning.

“They were calling because they were overheated and dehydrated,” said Lt. Kovaleff of the PSPD. The husband called 911 around 10:15am Monday morning after his wife collapsed from dehydration and overheating.

The man remains hospitalized in stable condition, but his wife died at the hospital from heat exhaustion. The couple was vacationing from Scotland.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified the woman as 56-year-old Ruth Ross.

“It’s really sad for both people and the husband who’s in the hospital,” Rutzick said, adding that he’s witnessed many people being rescued from the trail.

“It’s a tragic reminder to anyone who hikes our trails,” Lt. Kovaleff said.

A reminder to bring a lot of water, several liters per person.

“I use electrolyte tablets to treat the water,” Rutzick said.

Also officials say you should carry a mobile phone and avoid clothes that blend into the trail.

“In case you are rescued wear bright colors,” Lt. Kovaleff said.

And if you’re not conditioned for hiking in the heat, know your limits and work out indoors.

“They need to be properly prepared to go on a hike like this during this time of day during this time of the year,” Rutzick said.