Campbell River Search and Rescue

Campbell River Search and Rescue Society is a group of dedicated volunteers who provide a vital lifeline to those who are lost or injured in the beautiful wilderness of northern Vancouver Island.

The nature of search and rescue work in British Columbia seems to be changing. Because of technology, we are doing less actual searching and more responding to calls of help from people who can tell us where they are. But the challenge for us is that we must still stay trained and ready for the next big search.

Campbell River Search and Rescue would not be a fraction of what it is today, without ongoing support from our community. Local government, service clubs, businesses and individuals have contributed enormous resources toward training, equipment and facilities, and for that we are very grateful. Tax deductible donations can be made directly through our website.

BC SAR Groups do not solicit funds by phone

Neither the BCSARA nor the Search and Rescue groups recognized by the Province as part of the Public Safety Lifeline solicit funding by telephone. You can learn more about this policy, and what to do if someone has contacted you by phone claiming to be a SAR group requesting funds here: BCSARA : Telephone Solicitation

We are #CRSAR – Meet Eric Teramura

WE ARE #CRSAR Search and Rescue works because of a dedicated group of volunteers. This dedicated group of volunteers...

We are #CRSAR – Meet Scott Ballhorn

WE ARE #CRSAR Search and Rescue works because of a dedicated group of volunteers. This dedicated group of volunteers...

We are #CRSAR- Meet Dan Toonders

WE ARE #CRSAR Search and Rescue works because of a dedicated group of volunteers. This dedicated group of volunteers...

Photos from Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society's post Being in Search and Rescue isn't all helicopter rides and rope rescues. This weekend our members in training put in a full day learning different search techniques and stretcher skills, and put their survival skills to the test during an ...

Hiker rescued after stomping SOS into snow in front of B.C.-made wildlife camera - Campbell... Signals are important and lifesaving communication when in trouble in the backcountry. Fortunately this hikers message was picked up by wildlife cameras and his story ended well!
The man was rescued after he stomped “SOS” into the snow in front ...

Did you know leaving a trip plan with someone before you go out into the wilderness greatly assists searchers if you need assistance? What information do think you should provide?

AdventureSmart Plan ahead for every adventure no matter how small it may seem!
AdventureSmart will help all Canadian families, students, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists to better understand the risks and hazards while participating in outdoor activities.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Today marks an historic funding announcement for SAR prevention, our Critical Incident Stress Management program and the 80 recognized ground search and rescue groups. A sincere thank you to the Province in making this funding announcement happen.
https://www.bcsara.com/2019/03/provincial-funding-announcement/
Campbell River ...

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association https://www.facebook.com/BCSARA/videos/312133726154818?sfns=mo
Provincial search and rescue funding announcement.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a live video.

Avalanche warning in effect for western Canada as temperatures rise An avalanche warning has been issued for recreational backcountry users in all forecast regions in western Canada, including the north-central region of Vancouver Island, due to the increase in temperatures forecasted across B.C. and Alberta. Avalanche Canada said the special ...

Photos from Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society's post Our new members got their first taste of searching yesterday with our radio familiarization exercise. They managed to find all 25 clues we found in the woods!
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society is with Angela Janicki and 3 ...

Thrilled to kick off our GSAR course for 2019 with a packed house. In addition to our GSAR students, we had a contingent from the Strathcona Emergency Program emergency communications team.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society is feeling ...

British Columbia Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial Today volunteers from PEP Air, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association gathered in the Emergency Services Garden of Honor to remember our 17 fallen comrades.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society ...

Telephone Solicitation | BC Search and Rescue Association Time for your annual reminder: #CRSAR and other SAR groups in BC do not solicit donations by phone.
https://www.bcsara.com/about/faq/telephone-solicitation/
Each year the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA), the Association representing and supporting the 80 ground and inland water ...

The work doesn't stop when our subjects are found, we need to be ready for the next time we're called, day or night.

No budget funding leaves local SAR team searching for answers Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a link.

Girl heard saying ‘Help my Dad’ in suspicious radio message: Campbell River RCMP - Campbell... If anyone has info, please contact RCMP asap https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/news/young-female-heard-saying-help-my-dad-in-suspicious-radio-transmissions-campbell-river-rcmp/
Police asking for help following mysterious signals from somewhere between Comox and Sayward

Risk of ‘deadly avalanches’ leads to warning for B.C.’s south coast - Campbell River Mirror The latest on avalanche conditions. Always consult our local source https://www.islandavalanchebulletin.com, and use best practices in regards to avalanche awareness and training when going out into the mountains.
Weak layer of snow on Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland could trigger an ...

Hot tips for avoiding hypothermia in the backcountry from a Squamish paramedic | CBC News Prevention is best. When it comes to hypothermia, it’s much easier to prevent it than to reverse it. 🥶 🧤🧣
As temperatures drop and snow covers mountain tops around the province, outdoor adventure-seekers have one more hazard to watch for ...

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association On #BellLetsTalk⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ Day we want to highlight the @BCSARAssoc Critical Incident Stress Management program available for all SAR members and GSAR groups across BC. Some callouts are tough, the CISM program is there to help. #CISM
Campbell River ...

AdventureSmart #CRSAR has a dedicated team of AdventureSmart presenters. These volunteers are available to give prevention talks in and around our community. If you or your group are interested in a presentation, let us know!
Learn more about the different presentations available here: http://www.crsar.ca/trip-planning/outdoor-education/
C’est la Semaine de l’action bénévole. AdventureSmart tient à remercier tous les bénévoles qui ont participé à la prestation du programme AdventureSmart. Sans votre dévouement envers la prévention, le programme n’existerait pas. Nous vous remercions d’accroître la sensibilisation et de réduire la fréquence, la gravité et la durée des incidents de recherche et de sauvetage au Canada.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a photo.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association We can't say enough good things about our members! Like all SAR members in BC we are all volunteers. Last year our members contributed over 13,000 hours to tasks, training, public education, and fundraising.
During #NationalVolunteerWeek we want to highlight the outstandng work done by the 2500 GSAR volunteers in BC. Today we tip our hat to the 16 groups in the East and West Kootenays, available and responding 24/7/365 #BCSAR
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a photo.

Did you know leaving a trip plan with someone before you go out into the wilderness greatly assists searchers if you need assistance? What information do think you should provide?

Can you find which of these things does not belong on the list of 10 essential things to pack when adventuring?
1. Flashlight
2. Fire making kit
3. Signalling device (i.e. whistle)
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothing
6. Navigational/communication devices
7. First aid kit
8. Rope
9. Emergency blanket/shelter
10. Pocket knife
11. Sun protection
And go!

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association On March 23, 2019 the Province of BC announced the largest funding grant to the 80 recognized GSAR groups in BC.
Our President, Chris Kelly & the Executive Director for B.C. AdventureSmart, Sandra Riches responded to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth’s announcement.
Join us in thanking them both for speaking on behalf of SAR response and SAR prevention in B.C.
https://www.bcsara.com/2019/03/comments-on-the-provincial-funding-announcement/
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a post.

David Armitt “Scotty” MacLaren Obituary - Campbell River Mirror It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Scotty MacLaren. Scotty was a great supporter of the community of Campbell River raising money for various Campbell River organizations throughout his life including Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society.
Please join the family on Saturday, March 23rd, at 11 am at St. Patrick’s Parish (34 South Alder Street, Campbell River) to put Scotty to rest and celebrate his time among us.
November 6, 1938 - March 4, 2019Sadly, and to the immense shock of his family and friends, we have to say goodbye to a man who has forever brightened the lives of countless people. Scotty was always quick to make someone laugh, had an uncanny ability to raise funds for an untold number of charities,...

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association 15 years ago we started a program with hopes & plans to educate outdoor enthusiasts about personal preparedness and SAR prevention.
Little did we know (even though we hoped) it would grow into an internationally sought after program making such a difference in our province.
As we optimistically wait for the sustainable funding to be announced, of which it “directly supports AdventureSmart in B.C.”, we want to express our gratitude for the dedication and expertise our prevention experts continue to exude in delivering this message in B.C.
Check out what they did all winter, where they did it & how!
15,710 kms travelled ✔️
16,266 ppl reached in total ✔️
63 new presenters trained ✔️
322 vol. presenters in BC now ✔️
10/12 SAR regions travelled to ✔️
1 new Trip Plan App ✔️ 🇨🇦
We encourage you to read their creative report and share.
Thanks B.C. AdventureSmart, we’re hopeful the funding will be announced soon and you can continue making a difference.
https://www.bcsara.com/2019/03/adventuresmart-2018-19-winter-report/
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a post.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association 31 callouts for SAR groups in BC last week, 39 people located alive. One of our teams attended a frostbite victim this past week, and it's a good reminder that even though the weather is warming up frostbite is still a very real risk. Make sure you are dressed properly and keep your skin covered.
See AdventureSmart for some tips on frostbite and other cold weather related health risks: http://ow.ly/3yhM50nbu5I
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a post.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Today we celebrate the many women who make up search and rescue in BC. They wear a variety of hats, and often several at one time, including sitting on boards, managing tasks, working in the field on tasks, training, and many, many more. We are thankful for their strength and commitment to helping make SAR in BC the best it can be. #InternationalWomensDay
https://youtu.be/fq39JsHda9o
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a post.

The work doesn't stop when our subjects are found, we need to be ready for the next time we're called, day or night.

No budget funding leaves local SAR team searching for answers Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a link.

Avalanche Canada “We do not expect the snow to stabilize after the storm, which is unusual for the coastal mountains,” explains James Floyer, Warning Program Supervisor for Avalanche Canada. “Human-triggered avalanches will be likely over the weekend, especially on steeper terrain. The clearing skies and fresh snow will be very inviting but we are urging backcountry users to be extra cautious during this period.”
For a map of affected areas:
https://res.cloudinary.com/avalanche-ca/image/upload/v1550769675/SPAW/SPAW_20190221.png
We’ve issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning for the South Coast and Vancouver Island. This video from yesterday demonstrates just how touchy the weak layer is in these regions. Make sure you’ve read the warning carefully if you’re planning a backcountry trip in these areas.
Read the warning here 👉https://bit.ly/2SkYXKp
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a post.

No budget funding for BC SAR groups could lead to less training and equipment Although search and rescue is comprised of 100% volunteers, equipment to keep members safe and rescue subjects is very costly.
WATCH: The BC Search and Rescue Association was hoping for a funding announcement in Tuesday’s provincial budget, but never got one. Every day of the year, no matter what time it is, 2,500 volunteers in BC will drop everything at a moments notice to look for or rescue people in distress. But while...

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association National AdventureSmart Coordinators & Assistants from across Canada with a total of 231 years of AdventureSmart experience!
Our very own “BC reps” contributing to the national SAR prevention program (including the new Trip Plan App), thanks to Tenacious D Sandra Riches Lindsay Eastwood & Alex Michaels for their contributions.
#SARprevention #coasttocoasttocoast
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a post.

Underwater Egress Training Helicopters are an effective tools for us at Campbell River Search & Rescue whether it is for a Class D Fixed Line rescue or to fly in our expansive search area which goes from Porty Hardy to the North, Bute Inlet to the East, Oyster River to the South and Nootka to the West. Today a few our members were practicing how to exit a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft if it goes down over the water with Pro Aviation Safety Training. Always be prepared and practice for the worst case scenarios.
#CRSAR
#BCSARA
#adventuresmart

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association This is great! Know before you go and let someone know where you are going!
The AdventureSmart app enables you to quickly and easily create detailed trip plans for your outdoor excursions and send them to family and friends.
Go to the app store and download the AdventureSmart app today!
#crsar
#bcsara
#adventuresmart
Great news on the SAR prevention front - the free new #AdventureSmart app! Share far and wide!
With the AdventureSmart Trip Plan app you can easily create trip plans and send them to your family and friends. The app is available free in the Apple App Store and Google Play, and can also be accessed from any web browser.
Download it today! 👇🏽👇👇🏻👇🏼👇🏽👇🏿
https://www.adventuresmart.ca/tripplan.htm
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a post.

Donate to CR SAR

Campbell River Search and Rescue, like other SAR groups in BC relies upon donations and grants in order to maintain our equipment, train our volunteers and keep the lights on.

Faire un don maintenant par CanadaHelps.org!

Our Sponsors

Is this an emergency?

For emergencies call 9-1-1

If you are concerned about a friend or family member who is missing, overdue, or possibly injured, please call 911. We are only dispatched via the Police, Fire or Ambulance service. They will make the decision to call us. We would rather be called sooner than later; we don’t mind being turned back when the person shows up without incident! Our (Non-Emergency) Phone: 250-923-2500

Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society

Welcome to Campbell River Search and Rescue

Join our fantastic volunteers

Campbell River Search and Rescue

BC SAR Groups do not solicit funds by phone

We are #CRSAR – Meet Eric Teramura

We are #CRSAR – Meet Scott Ballhorn

We are #CRSAR- Meet Dan Toonders

Connect with us online!

Donate to CR SAR

Is this an emergency?

For emergencies call 9-1-1

AdventureSmart Message - Trip Plans

AdventureSmart Message - Be River Smart

AdventureSmart Message - Strathcona Provincial Park