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...

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.

Alert Ready Emergency Alert System - Pelmorex Corp. - Alert Ready Emergency Alert System On the afternoon of November 28th the Alert Ready system will be doing a test across Canada. The test will be distributed across TV, Radio and compatible wireless devices. #alerts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.alertready.ca/#alerts
Alert Ready Emergency Alert System

CBC Vancouver Soaked and huddled under an enormous cedar tree, facing a third night lost in the woods and thinking they were going to die, Karen Talbot and Roberta Robson talked about pants.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared CBC ...

Campbell River Mirror UPDATE as of 2 p.m.: “We have located our ladies,” says Paul Berry, Search and Rescue Commander for the search, “and we’re just waiting on an extraction at this point.”
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Campbell River ...

Campbell River Mirror The Banff Mountain Film Festival has long been a key event tying members of the outdoor community together. This year Campbell River Search and Rescue will receive a donation from the proceeds of this year’s festival.
Campbell River Volunteer Search ...

Strathcona Emergency Program Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Strathcona Emergency Program's post.

Photos from Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society's post Spending the day practicing our swiftwater skills on the Campbell River!
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society added 3 new photos.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Ever wonder where air, marine and ground SAR calls happen in Canada that the JRCC responds to?
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's post.

AdventureSmart #HappyHalloween – What are your plans to celebrate? Make sure you wear layers under your costume as the weather can get quite chilly in the evening! #Layers #Costume #AdventureSmart
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared AdventureSmart's photo.

CTV Vancouver Happy ending for lost hiker. Our members respond as mutual aid to Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue’s call yesterday.
A zipline technician spent a cold night naked and alone one of Vancouver Island's tallest peaks, and it wasn't for ...

Who wouldn't want to spend their weekend looking at dirt? Our members joined others from around the province this weekend to practice our tracking skills. Thanks to Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue and British Columbia Tracking Association Society for a ...

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.

Kimberley Search and Rescue Campbell River SAR Sent 6 members to the course! We highly recommend this course for any of the SAR members in leadership roles!
Big shout out to all of the successful team leaders that participated in the Nanaimo PSLV leadership course this weekend. Great class and lots of interaction from SAR members from the Island! #bcsara
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Kimberley Search and Rescue's post.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue Way to go Lions Bay Search and Rescue!
On Saturday night, Lions Bay SAR was called out to rescue two hikers that were stranded above an icy cliff face on the North Ramp of Mt. Harvey. At around 1:30am LBSAR members were able to reach the tired and cold subjects and provide them with warm clothing and hot drinks. Our team then proceeded to set up Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope Systems to lower the subjects approximately 50 metres to the boulder field below the North Ramp. Once the technical rescue was complete, LBSAR slowly hiked the subjects down the boulder field and the trail to our waiting SAR truck. The two subjects and all team members were out of the field at around 6:00am on Sunday morning.
Proper route planning, including taking into account conditions, experience and equipment, would likely have prevented this callout from taking place. Also, although the subjects had many of the ten essentials, including flashlights that we were able to spot from the base of the Harvey Ramp and a charged cell phone that allowed them to make the initial call for help, this rescue is a good reminder of why carrying the essentials is always important (https://www.adventuresmart.ca/land/survive-essentials.htm). No one ever plans to be stranded on a cliff face in sub-zero temperatures.
This type of a rescue not only shows the importance of regular technical rope rescue training but also the necessity of having proper equipment. The rope rescue equipment that we used in this rescue was all recently acquired using funding provided from the BC government’s one-time funding in 2016 and 2017 to the province’s 80 recognized ground search and rescue groups. To ensure that our team, and all other teams throughout the province, have access to the equipment and training required to safely and effectively complete rescues like this, we look forward to seeing annual stable funding for all 80 ground search and rescue groups in BC. For more information about BCSARA’s proposed Alternative Support Model, see: http://www.bcsara.com/projects/support-model/
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Lions Bay Search and Rescue's post.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Sustainable, predictable funding for the 80 recognized ground search and rescue (GSAR) groups across BC has been an issue for a number of years. Since 2013 this has been a top priority for BCSARA, and we are happy to update everyone that a funding model based on the Alternative Support Model (www.bcsara.com/projects/support-model/) is now before government.
While the proposed model still needs to go through the provincial budget process, the BCSARA Board is pleased that it is moving ahead with the support of EMBC and Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General management and staff. While details at the provincial level may differ from the Alternative Support Model (ASM) proposal the model going forward contains the important elements of the ASM and will not affect other funding and support that is critical to GSAR Groups and their members.
In January 2016 the province announced 1 time funding of $10 million for the GSAR groups; another 5 million was added in 2017. The effective management and use of the $15m provincial funding over the past 3 years by GSAR groups and BCSARA is recognized by the provincial government and assisted in moving towards a substantial model.
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared British Columbia Search and Rescue Association's post.

Becoming a Member | Campbell River Search and Rescue Don't forget our deadline for applications is fast approaching! If you are interested in becoming a member of CR SAR get your applications in by November 30th! Check out http://www.crsar.ca/becoming-a-member/ for more information!
#crsar #bcsara
Join a fantastic group of volunteers Be an active part of your community Learn amazing new skills Incredible experiences await Becoming a Member Thank you for your interest in Campbell River Search and Rescue. In order to become a member of Campbell River Search and Rescue (CRSAR), there are several...

Strathcona Emergency Program Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared Strathcona Emergency Program's post.

CTV Vancouver Island This past Summer we were involved with Rescuing 7 people from a bridge piling entrapment. Today we will be re creating it with Campbell River Search & Rescue and running different scenarios of rescue techniques. We have 3 rubber dingys to wrap and destroy in a safe manner. Come on down to the logging bridge and see what we do. Please stay in the safe zones!
Seven people were rescued from the Campbell River Tuesday night after their rafts got caught under a bridge: http://ctv.news/0aifmuP
Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society shared CTV Vancouver Island's video.

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.

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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