With 75 per cent of British Columbia covered in mountains and 64 per cent of it forested, B.C.’s diverse beauty and climate ramps up the challenges that ground search and rescue (GSAR) groups face. Between mountainous terrain, extreme weather and swiftly-changing conditions, GSAR members have to be knowledgeable, skilled and trained to handle whatever they encounter.
BCSARA has released its first ever Year In Review report for 2022. Inside, there are some remarkable stories and statistics including:
- 1,019 lives saved (that would not have survived without GSAR intervention)
- 1,758 people rescued
- An additional 262 individuals rescued (who were with the subject)
- Responded to 1,510 incidents
- Volunteered 441,026 hours of service in 2022
“We’ve always known that our highly-trained volunteer ground search and rescue groups do some amazing work, but seeing it documented, in one place, really drives home just how much they do,” said Dwight Yochim, CEO, BCSARA. “I think B.C. can be very proud of the services these volunteers provide and the difference they make every single day. My sincere thanks to the 78 GSAR groups and their 3,400+ volunteers whose dedication is an embodiment of the SAR maxim: So others may live.”
“Our first year in review report is the result of new capacity that BCSARA now has with staff expertise, robust data, and an extremely capable SAR community,” said Chris Mushumanski, president, BCSARA. “This report reflects the many stories of how incredible GSAR is – the dedication, value, commitment, sacrifice and professionalism that these world class volunteers bring to their communities every day. My thanks goes out to those who helped prepare this review and to the SAR community who bring value to everyone who enjoys beautiful B.C.”