Join Us
Do you have a passion for volunteering in your community and exploring the great outdoors? Are you eager to improve your wilderness survival and rescue while learning about the local surroundings? Joining search and rescue could be just what you're looking for.
Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) Training
All new SAR volunteers in BC begin with the 100‑hour GSAR course, which teaches the core skills needed to work safely in the field. Training includes wilderness survival, navigation, search techniques, communications, and team safety.
To complete certification, volunteers also participate in:
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A mock search
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An overnight campout
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At least 8 hours of First Aid training
After earning GSAR certification, members can pursue advanced specialties such as Rope Rescue, Swiftwater, Avalanche, Tracking, and more. SAR K9 handlers are also members of British Columbia Search Dog Association, which sets out the requirements for training and annual certification.
Time Committment
Volunteering with Search and Rescue is meaningful, challenging, and requires a steady commitment.
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Training
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GSAR Course: ~100 hours
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Basic First Aid: ~8 hours (exempt for those with current certification)
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Ongoing team training: weekly on Tuesday evenings, ~2 hours
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Occasional weekend training days and multi-day courses for post-GSAR specialized training
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Must attend at least 50% or more of trainings/ callouts
Callouts
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On call 24/7, year‑round
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Expected to attend as needed and/ or as your work/ family schedule permit
Team Involvement
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Community events
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Fundraising
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Gear checks and team meetings
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Board or committee involvement
Most members contribute a few hours each week, with additional time for training days and unpredictable callouts. On average our members volunteer approximately 200 hours/ year. ​Before applying, consider your current time commitments, including work, family, and other activities you participate in.​​
Do you get paid?
SAR members are professionally trained volunteers who donate their own time for training and searches.
In addition, while members are provided with some gear, some items are at one's own personal cost, so this is another consideration when making the decision to volunteer with a team. However, courses for specialized training, and some expenses during a search and rescue task, are paid.
