BC SAR Support Network
Heartwarming stories, resources and expert insights from a collective of SAR leaders.
BC SAR Support Network
Heartwarming stories, resources and expert insights from a collective of SAR leaders.
Welcome! If you need search and rescue help, please call 911.
Welcome! If you need search and rescue help, please call 911.
Welcome! If you need search and rescue help, please call 911.
Welcome! If you need search and rescue help, please call 911.
Welcome! If you need search and rescue help, please call 911.
Welcome! If you need search and rescue help, please call 911.
Welcome to BCSSN
Empowering search and rescue volunteers
BCSSN provides a conduit for search and rescue (SAR) volunteers and supporters to connect, collaborate and advocate for SAR in B.C. The core of BCSSN is comprised of highly-experienced SAR leaders willing to offer their guidance, resources and mentorship; to help volunteers enhance their collective knowledge and advance the safety and effectiveness of SAR operations. We welcome everyone including the public, media and all SAR members to become involved.
Postcards from the ledge
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What's important to you?
We recently surveyed thoughts on team consultation and the formation of the GSAR Advisory Committee. Results coming soon!
Behind the scenes with BC SAR volunteers
Frequently asked questions
You have questions and we have answers! Please use the "Contact Us" form below or the "Ask a Question" button at the top of the home page if you cannot find an answer to your question here.
We are an inclusive and growing group of very experienced British Columbia SAR leaders who have formed a collective to share and connect with other SAR members, the public and the media. Anyone who is interested in search and rescue is encouraged to participate.
Our goal is to highlight the positive accomplishments of the 78 teams across the province as well as provide a platform where everyone can be involved in important discussions and events. We also hold a special interest in advocating for the 3,000+ SAR volunteers to ensure that their time and efforts are always respected and that B.C. has the best search and rescue service possible.
Here's our top 10 reasons for being!
- An opportunity to connect on a provincial level with SAR leaders and experts to discuss issues and advocate for SAR in B.C.
- Insights into the SAR lifestyle for new recruits, the general public and media.
- Promotion of SAR volunteerism to support teams with recruitment/retention and future sustainability to meet call volumes.
- Promotion of SAR excellence (rescue of the week, videos, media coverage, stories, etc.) and through the sharing of expertise via stories.
- An opportunity to learn through webinars from our mentors' decades of diverse experience.
- Support for team fundraising projects (by highlighting special projects or connecting donors with local teams).
- Easily stay informed in a timely way with updates (by subscribing) especially when issues are unfolding.
- Participate in consultation through surveys, dialogue and discussion groups.
- Participate in transparent discussion with no restrictions or interference on SAR topics due to political differences.
- Share your own SAR story to help others learn or benefit from your experiences.
For experienced SAR leaders, willing to contribute their expertise at a provincial level, go to the SAR forum and add your voice to the discussion in your area(s) of expertise. If you want to do more, please submit your bio and picture to become an official BCSSN mentor.
For newer SAR volunteers, rescue subjects and everyone else who wants to support SAR, sign up for BCSSN news, contact us with your SAR questions and consider sharing your SAR story on the BCSSN website.
The entire structure of SAR in B.C. has been developed by the dedication of thousands of volunteers over the decades. From its earliest days more than 50 years ago to today's sophisticated SAR management and rescue techniques, it has been developed by volunteers. This includes helicopter longline, rope and swiftwater rescue.
All aspects of SAR, including the technology used, has been researched and implemented by these dedicated volunteers. Even the effort to fundraise to purchase the specialized and expensive equipment needed has been volunteer-driven. SAR in B.C. is owned by the 3,000+ volunteers who work, every day, to save more than 1,000 lives per year across the province. Learn more here
Every few years, the topic of charging for SAR comes up in the media and immediately causes delays in search and rescue. Just the threat of charging for SAR can create deadly delays. Worse yet, friends and family may attempt a search or a rescue for someone themselves without the proper equipment, training or experience. This can potentially create more rescues and further delay the search or rescue for the original person. By not charging for SAR, we can ensure the best life-saving service possible.
Making a donation directly to your local SAR team is always appreciated! Beyond that, please consider following their social media accounts and liking or sharing their content to amplify their profile. Offer to volunteer in a non-operational role providing help with data entry, finances, computers or vehicle maintenance. Make time to volunteer as a board member or share your expertise on relevant topics. Most of all, just ask what they need! They will be happy to hear from you.
The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) is the official government representative for SAR but has become politicized.
Unfortunately, short of banding together against the board, teams have little recourse if they don't agree with the decisions of the BCSARA leadership because the board elects the executive and individual teams only cast a vote every three years in one of the 12 staggered regional director elections. Despite being part of its mission, advocacy has been particularly challenging for BCSARA of late.
In contrast, the BCSSN provides a way for SAR volunteers and supporters to collaborate free from political interference. Structured as a network of individuals, rather than a legal entity, BCSSN was designed to avoid political interference and funding conflicts.
EMCR, which is the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness in B.C., assists with the coordination of SAR dispatch, expense reimbursement, training standards, support policy and some funding. A revamped GSAR advisory committee is being organized by EMCR to help inform provincial SAR policy with representation from EMCR, the SAR community and the requesting agencies (BCEHS, police, the coroner's service, Indigenous governing bodies and local authorities).
The terms of reference for this important committee are being negotiated by BCSARA but mechanisms to ensure that SAR teams have appropriate input and approval prior to implementation are unclear. One of the priorities of the BCSSN is to help SAR teams, as subject matter experts, have both input and control when it comes to provincial SAR policy, procedures and standards.
BCSSN is a volunteer network of like-minded people. It is not a legal entity and does NOT collect or distribute money on behalf of SAR. BCSSN promotes the work of grassroots community SAR teams and may help connect interested community donors with SAR teams and projects seeking assistance.
The costs for the BCSSN website, social media channels and communication efforts are paid out of pocket by members of the network.
Rescuer or rescued?
Share your SAR story
Have you been helped by a SAR team? Or are you a SAR member with a story to tell? Share your experience so that others can learn and benefit!
Contact us
We'd love to hear from you
We support SAR volunteers and anyone else interested in search and rescue.
BC SAR Support Network (BCSSN)
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