Firefighters save woman at Albion Falls rope rescue

Emergency crews were called to their first rope rescue of the spring on Saturday afternoon, after a woman fell at Albion Falls.

Hamilton fire officials say that a woman fell about three to four metres just before 2 p.m.

Crews transported her out on a backboard, said Fire Information Officer Claudio Mostacci.

"She was transported to hospital," Mostacci said.

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Rope rescues spiked at Hamilton's waterfalls last year. Emergency crews performed 25 rope rescues at the city's waterfalls in 2016 the largest number in at least seven years.

The majority of the calls were to rescue Hamilton residents. In 2016, 73 per cent of people rescued lived here, compared to 27 per cent non-residents.

Officials even debated charging user fees for people who needed to be rescued, but ultimately decided against it.

Mostacci asked hikers to make sure they stay safe at Hamilton's waterfalls to wear proper footwear, and not go at night.

"We always reinforce staying on the path," he said.