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...

Mountain Life If you went through the ice, would you know what to do?
Dr. Hypothermia has some words of wisdom.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Mountain Life's post.

Campbell River Search and Rescue responded to nine fatalities in 2018 – and demand is... Stats are in...2018 was a busy year for #CRSAR
Call volumes trending upwards for most SAR groups province-wide, says CRSAR

#CRSAR is expanding the Avalanche Team by training members at the AST1 course instructed by #islandalpineguides at #MountWashingtonAlpineResort last weekend.

Project LifeSaver Saving Lives...One Bracelet at a Time!Project Lifesaver may be the answer to wandering concerns for individuals with alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism, down syndrome, developmental disorders and brain injury.How it WorksProject Lifesaver places personalized radio transmitters on identified perso...
Campbell River ...

Are Garmin’s InReach Units Accidentally Calling SAR? After extensive testing and interviews, I've found that some of the company's two-way messenger devices can inadvertently call search and rescue teams
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a link.

BC Hydro reacts to eight storms hitting in a 12-day period - Campbell River Mirror There have been steady inflows into the Campbell River system from the eight storms that hit over a 12-day period to last Saturday, BC Hydro says.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a link.

BC Search and Rescue groups plea for 'sustainable funding' - NEWS 1130 BC Search and Rescue teams across the province are hopeful next year's budget will include permanent funding for them.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared a link.

Campbell River Mirror BC Hydro is advising people avoid the upstream side of Elk Falls December 13 - 14 as they increase river flow.
Caution advised when BC Hydro increases flow over Elk Falls Dec. 13-14.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society ...

In the event of a disaster, where would you look for information?

Campbell River Search and Rescue would like to thank all our volunteer members, past present and future for the hard work you put in. #InternationalVolunteerDay Like all SAR groups in BC, we are 100% volunteer!

BC Hydro upgrades public warning siren for the Campbell River - Campbell River Mirror InPower BC will be doing the final siren system test around the John Hart facilities Dec 5-6 and Dec 11-13. The sirens are located from the John Hart Dam to the Second Island bridge on the Campbell River.
https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/news/bc-hydro-upgrades-public-warning-siren-for-the-campbell-river/
The ...

Campbell River Mirror We've worked with Gator and his human a number of times in the last few years. It is always impressive watching RCMP K-9 and British Columbia Search Dog Association dogs work!
Good dog!
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society ...

Truck parade here we come! 🎄 🎅

Phones at the ready: Test of emergency alert system planned for this afternoon | CBC... Did you get an emergency test text today?
Though the alert won't reach everybody, Quebecers with a compatible wireless device connected to an LTE network can expect to hear a tone similar to an ambulance siren at 2:55 p.m.

A HUGE thank you to our local Maple Brownies group who dropped off hot chocolate and coffee for our members to enjoy after our practice! What a SWEET surprise! #maplebrownies

Avalanche Canada gets $25M boost from Ottawa after years of financial struggle | CBC News A much bigger budget for avalanche safety in BC
The federal money for the B.C.-based service was announced during Finance Minister Bill Morneau's fall update.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Six members of Campbell River SAR joined managers and training officers from all over the island for a weekend of learning and sharing ideas. Thanks to the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association for organizing.
This weekend the 14 SAR groups across Vancouver Island met in Saanichton for the 5th regional conference hosted by EMBC and BCSARA. 933 years of SAR volunteer service in the room, incredible passion and service!
Thanks to BrightSource and Arc’teryx for the great door prizes and gear for each group. And thanks to the SARVAC exec members for attending as well, your meeting time with the BCSARA exec was much appreciated.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's post.

Mountain Life If you went through the ice, would you know what to do?
Dr. Hypothermia has some words of wisdom.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Mountain Life's post.

#CRSAR is expanding the Avalanche Team by training members at the AST1 course instructed by #islandalpineguides at #MountWashingtonAlpineResort last weekend.

Westcoast Search and Rescue Society Welcome to Search and Rescue Comet!
New year, new beginnings! What a perfect time to introduce our new recruit, Comet! Splash is "passing down the harness" to her little protege. Comet is a Labrador Retriever and comes from a breeder who has a number of dogs in both the Search and Avalanche programs, including Comet's Grandpa, Pickle, with Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society and she is also related to Hazel and Rory with Nanaimo Search and Rescue. Comet and her handler will be attending Puppy Assessment camp at the end of March where we expect her to earn her "In Training" status and become our next MIT (member in training). These camps are run by the British Columbia Search Dog Association (BCSDA) in conjunction with RCMP Dog Handlers.
At this time last year, Ocean Pet Supplies was wrapping up a great fundraiser for our Canine team which raised $850! WOW! 😊 Thank you so much to all who donated!! The money went toward helping purchase an Impact crate for Comet's safe travel (as you can imagine, these dogs spend a lot of time on the road), and a FitPaws Peanut for conditioning (great for rainy days and night time; it's very important for the search dogs to have great balance and core strength). Ocean Pet Supplies has been and continues to be an amazing supporter with last year's calendar fundraiser, many items toward the BCSDA's raffles and silent auctions at camps, and a donation jar in the store! 🐾
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Westcoast Search and Rescue Society's post.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Question 6!
We've talked about the search for Mrs. Claus all week and the rules around a missing person case. Where can you find the detailed answers to the questions we asked?
a) Emergency Management BC
b) B.C. Police Act
c) Search and Rescue policy manuals
d) British Columbia Provincial Policing Standards
e) Santa’s List
(Watch for the answer later today!)
#BCSAR #searchandrescue #howtoreportamissingperson #getinformed
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's photo.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Question 4!
It was a week before Christmas, and Santa realized he needed a quick break before the big night so he left Rudolf in charge and took his wife, Mrs. Claus, to Bella Coola for a quick break. While Santa was taking a much-needed nap, Mrs. Claus decided to go for a walk along the river and left a note letting her husband know she would be back by dinner. Along the way she ran in to the Grinch and his dog, Max. The old friends spent a few minutes talking and the Grinch suggested she head down to see the boats as well. When Santa wakes it is already the next morning, and Mrs. Claus has not returned.
4. When will a missing person investigation be closed?
a) The day after the person would have turned 120 years old
b) When there is no longer any hope of the person being alive
c) When the person is located
(Watch for the answers and more questions as the week progresses!)
#BCSAR #searchandrescue #howtoreportamissingperson #getinformed
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's photo.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Question 5!
A large search is launched and Mrs. Claus is later found with a broken ankle by the side of the road. She had tripped over a dead tree and managed to drag herself to the side of the road, but had been unable to walk.
5. Who is responsible for paying the bill for the cost of the search and Mrs. Claus’ rescue?
a) Santa and Mrs. Claus
b) No one because the cost of searches in B.C. is not billed
c) The Grinch because he was the one who called police
d) The inn-keeper because that’s where Mrs. Claus was staying
(Watch for the answers and more questions as the week progresses!)
#BCSAR #searchandrescue #howtoreportamissingperson #getinformed
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's photo.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Schools are closed for winter break, so let the holidays begin! With that we want to remind everyone of the 80 recognized ground search and rescue groups’s hours over the holiday season, so please share far and wide!
Season’s greetings and wishing you all a safe holiday from BCSARA!
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's post.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Question 3!
It was a week before Christmas, and Santa realized he needed a quick break before the big night so he left Rudolf in charge and took his wife, Mrs. Claus, to Bella Coola for a quick break. While Santa was taking a much-needed nap, Mrs. Claus decided to go for a walk along the river and left a note letting her husband know she would be back by dinner. Along the way she ran in to the Grinch and his dog, Max. The old friends spent a few minutes talking and the Grinch suggested she head down to see the boats as well. When Santa wakes it is already the next morning, and Mrs. Claus has not returned.
3. Who is responsible to accept and investigate the report that Mrs. Claus is missing?
a) Bella Coola Search and Rescue
b) The inn-keeper
c) Bella Coola RCMP
d) Bella Coola Harbour Authority
e) The Elf Authority
(Watch for the answers and more questions as the week progresses!)
#BCSAR #searchandrescue #howtoreportamissingperson #getinformed
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's photo.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Question 2!
It was a week before Christmas, and Santa realized he needed a quick break before the big night so he left Rudolf in charge and took his wife, Mrs. Claus, to Bella Coola for a quick break. While Santa was taking a much-needed nap, Mrs. Claus decided to go for a walk along the river and left a note letting her husband know she would be back by dinner. Along the way she ran in to the Grinch and his dog, Max. The old friends spent a few minutes talking and the Grinch suggested she head down to see the boats as well. When Santa wakes it is already the next morning, and Mrs. Claus has not returned.
2. Who can report Mrs. Claus missing?
a) Immediate family such as Santa
b) The inn-keeper
c) The Grinch
d) All of the above
(Watch for the answers and more questions as the week progresses!)
#BCSAR #searchandrescue #howtoreportamissingperson #getinformed
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's photo.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association It was a week before Christmas, and Santa realized he needed a quick break before the big night so he left Rudolf in charge and took his wife, Mrs. Claus, to Bella Coola for a quick break. While Santa was taking a much-needed nap, Mrs. Claus decided to go for a walk along the river and left a note letting her husband know she would be back by dinner. Along the way she ran in to the Grinch and his dog, Max. The old friends spent a few minutes talking and the Grinch suggested she head down to see the boats as well. When Santa wakes it is already the next morning, and Mrs. Claus has not returned.
1. When will officials accept a report that Mrs. Claus is missing?
a) Each case is different and depends on weather, age of person, medical conditions, high risk lifestyles etc.
b) Immediately
c) 24 hours after Mrs. Claus was supposed to return back to the inn
d) 24 hours after Mrs. Claus was last seen by the Grinch
(Watch for the answers and more questions as the week progresses!)
#BCSAR #searchandrescue #howtoreportamissingperson #getinformed
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's photo.

Vernon Search And Rescue Group Society Great work Vernon SAR!
We're glad to report such a successful (yet unusually busy) weekend of rescues. Accidents will happen, but all of you backcountry adventurers make it easier for us when you head out prepared and work together as a team. Call for help when you need it... SAR teams are always glad to assist!
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Vernon Search And Rescue Group Society's video.

BC Hydro Remember... If you see a fallen powerline, assume it is live! Call 911!
Fallen power lines don't always spark or whip around like you might see on TV. If you see a fallen power line, it could still be live even if it's still.
Remember: down, danger, dial. Stay back 10m and dial 9-1-1: http://ow.ly/p5aw30mJqiR
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared BC Hydro's photo.

Hydrometeorologic Data With all the rain we have received and with more storms on the way for North Vancouver Island the rivers will be high and dangerous. Be cautious when recreating around rivers. For real time data on river levels from BC Hyrdro you can go https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/operations/transmission-reservoir-data/hydrometeorologic-data.html or for river level info from Environment Canada you can go to https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/google_map/google_map_e.html?map_type=real_time&search_type=province&province=BC.
#crsar
#bcsara
#adventuresmart
Hydrometeorologic Data Regional hydrometeorologic data networks BC Hydro's Hydrology group manages a network of over 150 automated, real-time reporting climate, snow and surface water stations. Our teams use the data from these stations for reservoir management. The data posted here includes up to f...

In the event of a disaster, where would you look for information?

Truck parade here we come! 🎄 🎅

Earthquake Preparedness: Part Two When things start to shake, DROP, COVER, & HOLD ON for a full minute after shaking stops before assessing how to exit the building.
In light of Alaska’s 7.2 earthquake today and Fort St.Johns 4.2 last night there is no better time to know what to do when one hits our area. For more info check out:
https://www.facebook.com/ShakeOutBC
Emergency Preparedness

A HUGE thank you to our local Maple Brownies group who dropped off hot chocolate and coffee for our members to enjoy after our practice! What a SWEET surprise! #maplebrownies

Strathcona Provincial Park Planning a trip to The Forbidden Plateau this winter? Here's a few tips to remember when venturing around the area in the upcoming months. ❄️
-Mount Washington does an amazing job of clearing access roads. Make sure you have winter tires, carry chains and check current road conditions before heading up at: https://bit.ly/2DB7yFK
-Weather can change rapidly at higher elevations, be sure to pack extra layers, food and water and let a friend know when you should be back
-Avalanche danger exists within the park and it is your responsibility to know how to travel safely in avalanche terrain. Invest in taking a locally run AST 1/2 course and check avalanche conditions before you go out: https://www.islandavalanchebulletin.com
-Crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing and ski touring are popular activities in the Forbidden Plateau area, check out Mount Washington's Nordic weather report for updated bulletins at https://bit.ly/1epZeUG. Plus- they also rent snowshoes and gear!
-A friendly reminder- snowmobiles are not permitted within Strathcona Park at any time
Share your helpful tips & let the winter exploring begin!
📷 @cadestewart
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Strathcona Provincial Park's 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