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

It was another busy year for Campbell River Search & Rescue.

As always, the range of our call outs are wide and varied over Vancouver island and it’s inlets and surrounding...

SRD Recognizes Volunteers Judy Hagen and Marg Carr for Ten Years of Regional Emergency Support Services

Picture attached: Rick Wall (Chair, NIEP Society) acknowledged Marg Carr & Judy Hagen with flowers and...

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...

BC AdventureSmart Cue to 27:50 to hear our Exec Director (Sandra) talk on the CBC Vancouver BC Today show about enjoying the outdoors safely during Covid times, reducing SAR incidents and how we can all gently recreate locally.
#bcadventuresmart
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-4-bc-today/clip/15776579-covid-19-icbc-update.-enjoying-the-local-outdoors-safely.

Canyon View Trail opens but Elk Falls Suspension Bridge remains closed - Campbell River Mirror BC Hydro and BC Parks have been following the recommendations of the Provincial Health Officer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue CTV Vancouver Island news clip on the joint Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society and Comox Valley SAR hoist training this past weekend.

Renowned B.C. ultra-marathoner to run 160 km, climb 9,000 metres in garage | CBC News So amazing Gary Robbins! Thank you for using your talent and platform to raise awareness and funds for our volunteer organization!
#advocate
#donate
#SupportSAR
Gary Robbins, known for his obsession with one of the hardest foot races in the world, ...

Outdoor Research At home training you can do to keep your mountain fitness. 🏔 💪
No gym, no problem.

BC AdventureSmart #tripplantuesday #explorebclater
“Trip Plan Tuesday” continues with support from 997 2day FM Campbell River and Ashleigh Clark.
🎙 📻 🎧 Grab your cuppa ☕️ 🍵 to join our very own Sandra Riches as she helps you “plan now so you ...

BC AdventureSmart “Trip Plan Tuesday” continues with support from 997 2day FM Campbell River and Ashleigh Clark.
🎙 📻 🎧 Grab your cuppa ☕️ 🍵 to join our very own Sandra Riches as she helps you “plan now so you can play later!”
#tripplantuesday
#bcadventuresmart

RCMP ask for help finding missing motorcyclist on Vancouver Island - Vancouver Island Free Daily Keep on the lookout for Gordon, he was last seen North of Campbell River.
Gordon Oper hasn’t been in touch with his family since early this week

Search and Rescue Groups Urge People to Stop Climbing Cabinetry During Pandemic Please resist the temptation...
"I haven't slept in days," said one SAR responder. "It's kitchen, after kitchen, after kitchen."

‘Now is not the time to bag that peak’: BCSAR manager discourages risky outdoor adventures... “Now is not the time to bag that peak you’ve been looking at for the last two years,”.
#stayhome
Call volumes are not going down, even as the COVID-19 pandemic persists

‘Now is not the time to bag that peak’: BCSAR manager discourages risky outdoor adventures... Call volumes are not going down, even as the COVID-19 pandemic persists

Comox Valley Record Newsroom When a SAR unit gets a call-out, 20 or 30 people on a team who have been self-isolating must come together. Please be mindful of this when you are out hiking.
~Terry

Avalanche Rescue Dog Makes World's First Helicopter Line Recovery What an amazing story of a SAR dog and his handler Adam Sheriff!
#SAR #CARDA #BCSARA

Avalanche Canada ending avalanche forecasting this week due to pandemic | CBC News Time for backcountry adventures to end...
#stayhome
Avalanche Canada is issuing its final avalanche hazard forecast of the season this week, ending its forecasting a month earlier than usual after the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to backcountry operations across ...

BC AdventureSmart 〽️ PUBLIC SAFETY LONG WEEKEND 〽️
*Reduce search and rescue incidents*
The May long weekend is the (unofficial) ‘kick off to summer’ for BC and we know you’re ready for it!
As we transition to the next phase of our new normal, lets find a new normal outdoors;
- Make a difference; "know before you go"
- Be prepared for emergencies.
- Make smart (AdventureSmart) choices.
Exploring BC locally offers everyone easy access to trails and parks, that easy access often gives outdoor enthusiasts a false sense of security. Don’t be fooled, easy access doesn’t always mean easy terrain, easy routes or easy adventures.
Your trip safety can mean the difference between a successful outcome and becoming a statistic.
File a trip plan before your local adventures this weekend.
https://www.adventuresmart.ca/tripplanning/tripplan.htm
#bcadventuresmart #explorebclocal #reduceincidents
Media release:
https://www.bcsara.com/2020/05/victoria-day-long-weekend/

Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue CTV Vancouver Island news clip on the joint Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society and Comox Valley SAR hoist training this past weekend.

Photos from Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society's post For the past 10 years we have offered the service of either hoist or CDFL extraction by helicopter on Vancouver Island. To offer this service we recertify on an annual basis and would like to thank Ascent Helicopters Ltd for going above the norm in accommodating our needs during these Covid times. Last year, along with joint members from @cvgsar (Comox Valley SAR), hoist rescues were used 5 times to assist those in need.
#crsar #bcsara #sar

Outdoor Research At home training you can do to keep your mountain fitness. 🏔 💪
No gym, no problem.

How to Choose and Use a GPS A solid understanding of navigation is one of the highest priorities if you venture into the backcountry. Maybe during this pause in adventuring, it’s time to learn more about how to improve your skills and tools. This link is great place to start. There are some quality courses and resources in our community to follow up on, post
pandemic. Island Alpine Guides
#timeforlearning
#explorebclater
#stayhome
#keepfirstresponderssafe
🙏
This guide to handheld GPS receivers explains their capabilities and key features to consider when you choose one; you’ll also learn about basic functions and get tips on how to use your new GPS unit.

With extra time to plan future adventures, consider:
What route research do you need to do?
Do you need to brush up on skills?
Do you need to replace gear?
What fitness training can you work on?
Make the most of the the time you are not out adventuring, and enhance your abilities before getting back out there!

AdventureSmart | The Essentials With all this time at home, instead of adventuring, it is a good time to stock up, refresh and reorganize your backpacks essentials. Check/ replace batteries in lights, replace old bars and medications and make sure to top up fire starting fuel.
AdventureSmart will help all Canadian families, students, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists to better understand the risks and hazards while participating in outdoor activities.

Arrowsmith Search And Rescue Great work Arrowsmith Search And Rescue over this past weekend!
𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱!
Our second call out this weekend happened at 13:10 on Sunday to assist BC Ambulance with the evacuation of an injured dirt biker from a trail off the Cook Creek Resource Road. ASAR had 28 members respond to the call. We utilized our 4X4, ATV and UTV vehicles to access the patient.
Once we arrived to her location, we were able to get her securely packaged into a stretcher. The stretcher was then moved down the trail with stations set up using ropes as a safety belay to our UTV which then transported her to a location where she could be transferred into the care of BC Ambulance. This was our first patient transport using our UTV and it was very successful. It aided in keeping our patient comfortable as well as ensuring a much quicker transport to the ambulance.
Thanks to Campbell River SAR who were called in case we needed a long line extraction from a helicopter, but in the end wasn’t required.
#𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗿 #𝗰𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿 #𝗯𝗰𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗮 #𝗯𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 #𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 #𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 #𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 #𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵
To find out more about us and to donate go to www.arrowsmithsar.ca
To learn how to enjoy the outdoors safely go to www.adventuresmart.ca

It is dry out there folks! Forest fires are starting easily given the current dry conditions with 2 wild fires being reported North of Campbell River, both being started by human factors.
https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/news/wildfires-burning-north-west-of-campbell-river/
According BC Hydro as of April 9th, 2020, "After a very wet January, the weather since then has been drier than normal. The amount of precipitation for February was 94%, March 55%, and for April to date, just 8% of normal."
For information on the fire danger rating click, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation/fire-danger.
For what type of fires you are and are NOT allowed during this dry spell you can click the following link, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions

Arrowsmith Search And Rescue Way to go for all the SAR teams involved!
Arrowsmith Search and Rescue was tasked last night to search for a missing hiker in Qualicum Bay. The search started yesterday evening and ran late into the night. The search continued early this morning with assistance from our neighboring SAR groups. We are happy to say that he was located this afternoon by a family member in the Spider Lake area. Our thanks goes out to everyone involved including Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society , Nanaimo Search and Rescue, Alberni Valley Rescue Squad and Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue. Thanks to the members of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue team for searching the shoreline for us and the RCMP helicopter and pilot for the air support.
All SAR groups had a lot of great practices in place to ensure social distancing protocols were met. #weareinthistogether
#asar #bcsara #RCMP #RCMSAR

BC AdventureSmart 🔊 Public Safety Announcement
This long weekend will be celebrated uniquely.
As we celebrate simply, on our local regional trails and in our accessible municipal parks, we encourage treading lightly, taking special caution and choose low risk, local activities. (+ #stayhome)
Our provincial search & rescue incidents are down 50% from this time last year, lets keep that trend going!
Together, our investment in 'safety' will make a difference.
#bcadventuresmart #explorebclater #stayhome
BC AdventureSmart Public Safety Announcement
> https://www.bcsara.com/2020/04/easter-long-weekend-public-safety/
British Columbia Search and Rescue Association full press release here > https://www.bcsara.com/category/update/

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association Let’s flatten the curve!
It's the long weekend and #BCSAR volunteers hope you'll get outside in nature while staying closer to home. #ExploreBCLater
"GSAR groups across the province have halted training to avoid the risk of spreading COVID-19 and are conducting online training and meetings to ensure they are ready should they receive a call for assistance. However, that self-imposed isolation is lost when they answer the call for help and 20 to 30 members come together to assist in the rescue of someone they do not know."
Read the full release here 👉 https://www.bcsara.com/2020/04/search-and-rescue-unpaid-professionals-urge-additional-caution/

BC Parks All BC parks are temporarily closed. This sucks with the great weather we are having, but lets beat the Convid virus together and look after everyone in our communities. Soon enough we can get back to exploring our amazing province. #explorebclater #sar #crsar #bcsara
BC Parks Response to COVID 19: Full BC Parks System Closure
BC Parks is immediately closing the entire BC Parks system, including all parks, protected areas, conservancies, recreation areas, and ecological reserves. All camping (front and backcountry) is now banned until May 31st, 2020. This action is being taken in response to the call for increased action to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the desire of the public to get outdoors, many parks have already experienced peak season levels of use that have resulted in overwhelmed parking lots, trails and trailheads, making physical distancing difficult, if not impossible in some locations. It has also resulted in damage to our facilities and the environment.
This closure is also necessary to ensure the continued health and safety of our visitors, employees, park operators and their staff, volunteers, and park contractors. By taking this action, we align with federal and provincial directives for people to stay home to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk.
This temporary measure means public and vehicle access is prohibited until further notice. All trails, roads, day-use areas, beaches, lakes, boat launches, and backcountry areas are closed to the public. Park closures will be enforced through regular monitoring and patrols and anyone found in a closed park will be evicted and could face a $115 fine.
In addition to the full system closure, the campground closure has been extended to May 31st, 2020. Full refunds will continue to be automatically provided to those with existing reservations during this time. Please do not initiate a request for refund. The Discover Camping reservation system has been suspended for all new reservations. A public notice will be issued once facilities are reopened and the system is able to accept new reservations.
BC Parks continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely and is following the recommendations set out by the Provincial Health Officer and the Minister of Health for decisions related to closure and reopening of parks and facilities.
Please continue to check the BC Parks website for updates.
BC Parks COVID-19 Questions and Answers: bcparks.ca/covid-19/questions-answers/
Media Release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020ENV0019-000645
For more COVID-19 information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control: BCCDC: http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/
Provincial Health Officer and Ministry of Health News: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/health

BC AdventureSmart Trip Plan Tuesday continues with support from 997 2day FM Campbell River. 👍📻🎙
Lower risk activities are key to this equation right now.
Conservative decision making, sound judgement, physical distancing, not pushing outdoor rec limits & knowing when not to go. Extra caution is necessary.
This also helps our 2500 friends British Columbia Search and Rescue Association.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11zbR6PXbMAsN1yheW3lDX93su2A691SE/view
#bcadventuresmart

Shelter Point Distillery Thanks to Shelter Point Distillery for retooling their distillery to make sanitizer! Great to see local businesses adapting to the changing world and looking after people in the community. We just received our first shipment today!
Update: We have temporarily suspended our distilling operations in order to switch production to manufacturing medical grade sanitizer to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We have retooled and gone from single malt to sanitizer in a matter of days. Please email info@shelterpoint.ca if you would like to contact us regarding sanitizer. We are currently supplying it in 750ml bottles and 20 litre containers.
Our distillers will be working double shifts over the weeks and months ahead to produce enough sanitizer to supply as many health authorities, hospitals, medical centres, municipal and provincial services as possible. Our number one priority is to ensure that first responders have ample supplies in order to do their jobs and save lives. We are starting locally, supplying our towns, communities and First Nations Health Authorities on the island. We will subsequently expand production and distribution to supply crucial services across the province as needed. Thank you again for your continued support of our distillery during this unprecedented time.
Our online shop continues to be open for business for whisky, gin, vodka and liqueur purchases. As an added bonus and thanks to our customers, we are offering 15% off all purchases of two bottles or more online. In addition, our spirits continue to be available at private liquor stores in BC and Alberta.
We will update you as the situation progresses and look forward to welcoming you to the distillery again soon.Thank you very much for your continued support and business!

This Is What Happens When You Need a Rescue During a Pandemic "Only after they depart does the potential cost of their actions sink in. More than 50 people were involved with the rescue, from civilian first responders to professional air-medical crews, and many on scene worked close enough to breathe on each other. “It was a holy-shit moment when I realized the number of people, not only search-and-rescue but the bystanders and Ophirites, who were interacting closely, touching each other,” Schroepfer says. “That showed me the potential for danger in these situations more than just putting the stress on our emergency services. We’re all really healthy people in these mountain communities, and the strong and the mighty were the ones who showed up during the rescue. So they’re the ones who could have it and not know it.”
https://www.outsideonline.com/2411094/backcountry-accidents-coronavirus-colorado?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=onsiteshare&fbclid=IwAR0gxvqjhfgXhN4uFX3try0HBdlRWzF7-hMc_BNRixdX49ttGBvmy9MEtQw
A harrowing backcountry rescue at 11,000 feet exposes the precarious situation first responders are in thanks to the coronavirus pandemic

‘Now is not the time to bag that peak’: BCSAR manager discourages risky outdoor adventures... Call volumes are not going down, even as the COVID-19 pandemic persists

Comox Valley Record Newsroom When a SAR unit gets a call-out, 20 or 30 people on a team who have been self-isolating must come together. Please be mindful of this when you are out hiking.
~Terry

Avalanche Rescue Dog Makes World's First Helicopter Line Recovery What an amazing story of a SAR dog and his handler Adam Sheriff!
#SAR #CARDA #BCSARA

BC AdventureSmart Hey North Island, we are absolutely still here to help if you need us, but please be a little more conservative when adventuring outdoors. I think we can all agree our medical system has enough on their hands without your broken ankle!
Ultimately, sound judgment, conservative decision making and knowing when to turn around and save it for another day are your most important backcountry survival skills.
Insightful article by Mountain Life.
Treading lightly, conservatively & not pushing your limits are all supportive ways YOU can BE AdventureSmart.
#bcadventuresmart

Canadian Blood Services The Canadian Blood Supply is currently low. If you are able to donate please consider booking an appointment. CBS is providing ways to maintain social distancing while still being able to donate in your community.
https://www.blood.ca/en
From donors to recipients and all the people that bring them together, we can all be the reason – the connection – that keeps Canadians living. Watch our video Our story is changing

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

It was another busy year for Campbell River Search & Rescue.

SRD Recognizes Volunteers Judy Hagen and Marg Carr for Ten Years of Regional Emergency Support Services

We are #CRSAR – Meet Eric Teramura

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