Who We Are
All Search and Rescue groups are a provincial resource and as such can be deployed anywhere in BC to aid in a Search and Rescue response. CRSAR has traveled as far north as Terrace and Haida Gwaii and numerous times to the lower mainland to assist other search groups.
All Search and Rescue in BC is run through the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Management BC. Much of our training is provided by the Justice Institute of BC and other training partners. Search and Rescue in BC is made up 100% of volunteer, unpaid professionals on call 24/7. CRSAR, like all SAR groups, must fundraise privately and apply for government grants to fund the purchase of vehicles, rescue equipment, training and other day-to-day expenses. SAR volunteers receive no pay for any SAR service and a SAR response is not billed to the rescued party. Search and Rescue services are free in BC.
CRSAR trains its members in the latest search and rescue techniques. Our training meets or exceeds national and/or international standards.
The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association is pleased to reveal the below promotional video, which is a short indication to the viewer of what SAR Groups provide around the province and was compiled from video clips collected during the filming of the television show Callout SAR, and the current Hug A Tree and Survive video. The project was generously provided free of charge by Fire One Entertainment and Third Wave Communications.
We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the wide variety of services provided by our fellow SAR Groups in BC. They truly make us proud each and every day.
Our History
The official training room was built at one end of the shed. The room became home to the step-van and gear. By 1994, Campbell River Search and Rescue service needs had increased, and the organization required a necessary expansion. Fundraising for a building and its accompanying property was launched.
Currently our group maintains about 50 active members who respond to 30 – 40 emergency related calls per year.
Our society is governed by an executive and we hold monthly meetings as required by the regulations of the Society Act of British Columbia. Our financial operations are controlled by the society, which is represented by our 50 members. As a society, we are able to fundraise and seek donations as a not-for-profit society. We actively pursue BC gaming grants and community funding opportunities, as well as corporate and private donations. We are able to issue income tax receipts for cash and equipment donations. All the monies we raise go toward providing training for our members, purchasing equipment or maintaining our hall and vehicles. Cash and equipment donations are always welcome and we appreciate every donation greatly.
If you wish to donate to Campbell River Search and Rescue, please send your donation to P.O. Box 705, Campbell River, BC, Canada V9W 6J3, contact (250) 923-2500 or use the donation button above.
Our Specialty Teams
About the BC Search and Rescue Assocation
Campbell River Search and Rescue is represented by the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association
The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association enhances the provision of ground search and rescue services in the province by bringing together all SAR professionals in BC to discuss and resolve issues, by accessing funding for training, providing occupational health and safety support, educating the general public on outdoor safety and acting as a common link to information and resources for Search and Rescue practitioners across British Columbia.
Mission and Mandate
The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association was registered in 2002 as a non-profit society and enhances the provision of volunteer search and rescue services in the province by facilitating access to funding, educating the general public on outdoor safety, and providing volunteers with a common link to information and resources. The Board of Directors approved their revised purposes and bylaws in January 2007.
The BC Search and Rescue Association Directors are comprised of search and rescue volunteers from all over the province as well as agency representatives from:
- Emergency Management BC
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- British Columbia Police Association
- Justice Institute of BC
- British Columbia Ambulance Service
- Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC
Together, volunteers and agency representatives make up the Board of Directors for the BCSAR Association.
BC is divided into regions that contain SAR groups. Each region is represented by a BCSARA regional director.
Vancouver Island North is comprised of :
West Coast Inland SAR
Alberni Valley Rescue Squad
Nanaimo SAR
Arrowsmith SAR
Comox Valley SAR
Powell River SAR
Campbell River SAR
These groups are represented by the Regional Director Vancouver Island North, BCSARA.