BC Search and Rescue Association

BC Search and Rescue Association

@bcsara.com

BC SAR Association (BCSARA) represents 78 SAR groups with 3,250 unpaid professionals who responded to 1,940 callouts in 2025. Outdoor Education @bcadvsmart

410 followers14 following97 posts

Hear the story directly from the hiker our SAR members searched for, plus search and rescue perspectives from Squamish SAR. 🏔️🚁 Join us October 19 for Five Nights Lost – A Hiker’s Story.

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

Stas was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan & moved to 🇨🇦 in 1997. Oct. 19: SPECIAL EPISODE, 5 Nights Lost – A Hiker's Story, sharing his experience. This is a supportive event building awareness & helping others make safer decisions outdoors — not on judging or placing blame. shorturl.at/R8hsm

How can you help our SAR volunteers? Watch this. Do this. Share this.

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

4 MINS COULD MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE! 🥾 Making it home safely or becoming a SAR statistic? A little preparation goes a long way! 3Ts - the trifecta of outdoor safety! ➕: What to do in an 🚨, when to call 911 & why there's NO CHARGE for rescue in BC! 🎥 youtu.be/XrZ1RhBmqPM?...

DO YOU PACK LIKE A PRO? 🤔

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

🥾❄️ NEW PACK LIKE A PRO EPISODE: WINTER TRACTION! Dry trails down low can mean frost, ice and slippery conditions higher up. Are you prepared? 🎥 WATCH IT. SHARE IT. 👉 Watch our NEW Winter Traction episode 👉 Share the video 🎒 Pack Like a Pro. #tractionmeansaction youtu.be/HRkbdUqihSk?si

This is one you’ll want to hear. 👀 Five nights lost. One massive SAR response. And now, both sides of the story — directly from the hiker and Squamish SAR. Real experience. Real lessons. Lots to learn. 📅 Oct. 19 | 6–7 PM PCT 💻 Free + live on Zoom

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

🏔️SPECIAL EVENT | 5 Nights Lost A 6-hr hike became 5 nights lost in BC’s Sea to Sky region. Hear directly from the hiker & Squamish SAR as they share their experiences & perspectives from the SAR response. 📅 Oct. 19 | 6–7 PM PCT
💻 FREE | Live on Zoom shorturl.at/xHz7C

We’re big fans of learning from those who’ve been there, done that. 😉🏔️ Mentorship builds skills, confidence and better decision-making in the mountains. Great one to revisit from BC AdventureSmart ! 🎥 ❄️ And stay tuned… a brand NEW 8-part Expert Series kicks off Nov. 30! 👀

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

WINTER WEBINAR REWIND! 🎥🏔️ First up: Mountains & Mentorship: Building Confidence in the Mountains. Mentorship helps us become safer, more confident outdoor enthusiasts. 🎥 Catch up now! ❄️ NEW 8-part BC AdventureSmart Expert Series starts Nov. 30! youtu.be/W_T4AmeKmvQ?...

How many hours do BC Search and Rescue volunteers dedicate each year to training, emergency response—including rescues, emergency services support, and wildfire support such as alert and evacuation notifications—and outdoor education? 300,000+ 400,000+ 500,000+

Every call. Every community. Every time. BC's SAR system is built on neighbours helping neighbours. Volunteers from communities across the province train, prepare, & answer the call when people need them most (even helping during wildfire 🔥 activity) ❤️ Help keep them ready: shorturl.at/nrMqp

We’re profoundly saddened by the passing of Mike Coyle from Coquitlam SAR. 🧡 We extend our deepest condolences to Mike’s family, friends, Coquitlam Search & Rescue family & broader SAR community. Our thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time. Mike will be deeply missed. 💐

Almost 65% of British Columbian households have pets, so even a small impact on pet owners can have significant consequences during emergencies.

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

🔥With wildfire activity affecting communities across BC, it's important to be prepared. Are your pets a part of your emergency plan? This episode has simple tips to help you prepare. Cue 14:51 🐾 When it’s time to go, your pets are counting on you. youtu.be/8h33k_2NQvE?...

This is why collecting quality SAR data matters. It helps us understand trends, improve public safety messaging, and ultimately help more people make informed decisions before they head outdoors. 👏📊

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

Behind every SAR statistic is a real person, a real story, and lessons that can help prevent the next rescue. Join Kyle van Delft as he explores what thousands of BC SAR incidents can teach us about making better decisions outdoors. 🏔️🚁 youtu.be/ATO09gux3MU?...

Our very own Data Guru 💫 is the final guest of the B.C. AdventureSmart Summer Series! Don’t miss it! Missed it? Catch the replay on our YouTube channel. 👌🏽

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

📊 What can thousands of BC Search and Rescue incidents teach us about staying safe outdoors? Join our special guest, Kyle Van Delft @bcsara.com , as he takes us behind the #’s to explore the trends shaping SAR & how they can help you. July 20, 2026 shorturl.at/71DCS

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

30+ years with search & rescue. Maria knows her stuff! Join us July 6 to hear real-life SAR stories and discover why knowing your group—their abilities, skills, and even everyone’s names—can make all the difference in an emergency. 🚨 shorturl.at/pPHw0

3 decades of SAR experience. Maria has a lot to share. Don’t miss it!

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

🎙️ Meet our next guest: Maria Masiar from Lions Bay SAR & North Shore Rescue. With 30+ yrs of mtn rescue experience, Maria will share real SAR stories from the Sea to Sky, why knowing your group matters, & how better planning can help in🚨! 📅 July 6 | 🕖 7 PM PT 💻 Free webinar – shorturl.at/8tK2B

While recent rescues in the Sea to Sky region are an important reminder to be prepared, BC SAR data shows a 🔸DECREASE in SAR🔸 call volume during the 1st half of 2026 compared to 2025, including a 5% decrease in the Southwest Region—one of BC's busiest SAR regions. www.youtube.com/live/1dbCrAP...

youtube.comBC Today, June 24: Canada plays most consequential game at World Cup | Drownings up in BC waterwaysYouTube video by CBC British Columbia

This 4 part series was excellent! With so many summer adventurers ahead we strongly encourage sharpening your navigational skills & to share these helpful videos.

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

The final episode of our Maps & Mountains 101 series is here! GPS devices & navigation apps: strengths, limitations & how to use them safely in the backcountry. We talk about smartphones (secondary means of comms), GPS units (primary) - navigate with confidence. Watch now: youtu.be/eEiSpqg5Q_Q

This session takes a deep dive into the key elements of creating a successful plan for your next adventure. A special thanks to Maria from Lions Bay SAR for sharing her expertise as our guest speaker!

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

🎒 A # of SAR incidents start with a plan that didn't match the conditions. Join our free webinar & learn how to plan smarter, assess risks, match your trip to your abilities, and return home safely. 📅 July 6 ⏰ 7:00 PM PT 💻 Free Online Your destination is home 🏠. shorturl.at/mNwnF

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

🗺️ Episode 3 is here! Ridges, valleys, drainages & terrain features all tell a story—if you know how to read them. In this episode, we explore how to match what you’re seeing on the ground with what’s shown on the map, building confidence in terrain association & navigation. youtu.be/e7u7rHIGtbo?...

youtu.be🗺️ 🏔️ Maps & Mountains 101 - Episode 3: Understanding Terrain FeaturesYouTube video by BC Search and Rescue Association

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

Maps & Mountains 101 – Episode 2 📊 Getting lost or disoriented is the 2nd most common reason for SAR in BC @bcsara 🧭 Learn how contour lines & terrain features can help you better understand the landscape, plan safer routes & travel more confidently outdoors. youtu.be/CloPwemTvWs?...

youtu.be🗺️ 🏔️ Maps & Mountains - Episode 2: Understanding Terrain & Contour LinesYouTube video by BC Search and Rescue Association

🧭 Navigation challenges are the #2 reason for SAR calls in B.C. Great to see Alex Mack @theacmg.bsky.social & @bcadvsmart.bsky.social + Granite Adventures helping adventurers build skills beyond the blue dot. Safer adventures start with better navigation! ⛰️🙌

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

Maps & Mountains 101 - Episode 1: Navigation Fundamentals Join Alex Mack, High Altitude Physiologist & ACMG Apprentice Hiking Guide, for an intro to navigation & mtn travel. Learn how to read topographic maps, understand terrain, plan routes & build confidence in the mtns. youtu.be/9YnzgWod-zs?...

Dave’s got some stories to share, time under his belt and expertise to pass along ~ this will be a good one! Thanks for all you do Dave Merritt! ⛑️

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

Meet Dave Merritt, our expert guest on June 8! A member Prince George SAR since 1991, Dave brings 35+ yrs of SAR experience. Join us as he shares practical tips on emergency🚨group dynamics, scene mngt, comms, decision-making & what enthusiasts can do before SAR arrives. shorturl.at/2gdyx

Your prep and quick thinking can help our 3,250 search and rescue volunteers a lot! Learn how! ⏬ Direct registration 🔗 l1nq.com/grkeoz6

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

DYK how to manage your scene & support your group before SAR arrives? Learn practical skills for handling the critical first moments of an outdoor emergency. Preparation, teamwork & early action can make a real difference while help is on the way. www.facebook.com/share/1EGwuk...

This is a MUST WATCH! 👀 To say it’s a story of survival is an understatement.

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

Join us as Shauna shares her harrowing story from a grizzly bear attack on her & her husband, alongside Kathy @ WildsafeBC, who shares important tips for recreating safely in bear country. Prince George SAR & the B.C. Conservation Officer Service responded to this call. ⛑️ youtu.be/HaJiPdrKCzo?...

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

Meet Kathy Murray from WildSafeBC — one of our featured speakers for Seconds Matter: A Grizzly Encounter, a Rescue & the Power of Preparedness. Kathy will share tips on wildlife safety, responsible recreation & preparing for grizzly encounters. 🗓️ May 25 | 7–8 PM PT 🔗 shorturl.at/pFpOH

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

🔎 LOST & FOUND SAR Managers Chris Mushumanski & Paul Berry break down the 73-hr search for 6 yr old Oaklynn Schweder — the strategy, teamwork, field challenges & community support behind a complex SAR response. ➕ Hug a 🌲 & Survive, teaching kids what to do if lost outdoors. youtu.be/nc5keiPskow

youtu.beFinding Oaklynn: How BC came together to find a lost 6-year-oldYouTube video by BC Search and Rescue Association

BC is a pretty amazing place to explore — but search and rescue can look very different depending on where you are in the province. Big thanks to Sandy & Joan for sharing their stories and experience from Northern BC. Lots of great insight for anyone spending time outdoors. 👏🏔️🚁

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

SAR looks different across BC. From coastal terrain to remote northern wilderness, geography, weather & access all shape how SAR groups respond. Sandy Ross @ North Peace SAR & Joan Bachand (Bailey 🚁) share real-world rescue insights from Northern BC. youtu.be/zs4HRFv8m-I?...

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

Join SAR Managers Chris Mushumanski & Paul Berry for a webinar on the 73 hour search for Oaklynn Schweder. Learn how SAR teams coordinated complex search efforts, made critical decisions in the field, & were supported by an incredible community response. shorturl.at/CPtSB

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

Thank you, @bcsara.com, Peninsula Emergency Measures Organization, Metchosin Search and Rescue - as well as certified SAR dog, Venna and her handler, Sandra - for representing SAR at our Emergency Preparedness Expo at the B.C. Legislature today! 💚🐕🙌

Northern BC SAR groups face unique opportunities (& challenges) responding to a call for help in their region. Here’s your chance to learn more and support these dedicated volunteers!

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

SAR in BC looks different depending on where you are. Each region presents unique challenges that shape how SAR teams respond. In this webinar, North Peace SAR will share insights how geography, weather, access & resources influence rescue operations. May 11 @ 7-8PM www.facebook.com/share/1FUahL...

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

Our 2026 Webinar Series brings together pros, guides, & outdoor leaders! 🧭 May 4 – ACMG 🚁 May 11 – North Peace SAR 📍 May 19 – SAR case study 🐻 May 25 – Grizzly attack story 🧰 June 8 – 🚨 skills 🗺️ June 22 – Navigation 🗺️ 🎒 July 6 – Safe return story 📊 July 20 – SAR 📊 👉 bcsara.com/outdoor-educ...

Did you know 24 of our 78 BC SAR groups are based in Northern BC? This summer, our program @bcadvsmart.bsky.social is highlighting this part of the province through an outreach series supporting the Cariboo Chilcotin, Bulkley Nechako, Northeast, and Northwest regions. 👏 👌🏽

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

🌲 May 4: Kickoff webinar! 
Join an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) guide as we cover distance, daylight & decision-making. 👉 Distance, Darkness & Decision-Making: Avoiding Trouble in Northern BC’s Big Wilderness shorturl.at/PKxHL

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

Summer’s almost here & we know you’re planning some hikes & adventures☀️🏔️ Before you head out, make sure you’ve got a way to stay in touch & not get lost! Give this a quick watch before your next #hike👇🏽 🗓️ May 4 our NEW webinar series kicks off! youtu.be/mFVb27YjRFk?...

youtu.beTech that saves you, Tech that betrays you: Communications & Technology Part IIYouTube video by BC Search and Rescue Association

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

Heading into summer with wildfires already burning in BC, now’s a great time to watch our webinar with meteorologist Brett Soderholm. Topics include BC wildfire dashboard, ⚠️ ratings, weather forecasting, wildfire risk, safety tips & more👇 #preventwildfires youtu.be/gcmnj2RMm3M?...

youtu.beBC WildFire Service with Meteorologist Brett Soderholm | BC AdventureSmart Summer Series 2022YouTube video by BC Search and Rescue Association

🌲 BC AdventureSmart Summer 2026 Webinar Series is coming! Proud to support this lineup of SAR volunteers and outdoor experts sharing real tips to help you stay safer out there. 📅 May 4 – July 20 ⭐️ Northern British Columbia Themes! #BCSARA #BCAdventureSmart

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

🌲 BC AdventureSmart Summer 2026 Webinar Series Real tips from SAR & outdoor experts to help you stay safer across BC—featuring Northern perspectives, rescue stories, navigation, trip planning & more. 📅 May 4–July 20
👉 bcsara.com/outdoor-educ... #BCAdventureSmart #BCOutdoors

Here’s the first webinar in BC AdventureSmart’s Expert Summer Series—stay tuned, more sessions coming soon!

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

73 Hours to Home: The Oaklynn Schweder SAR Case Study 🗓️ May 19, 2026 Join SAR leaders Chris Mushumanski & Paul Berry as they break down a 73-hour search—decision-making, coordination, and community support. Includes outdoor safety tips for kids + Hug a Tree program. 🎟️ shorturl.at/QKfCX

Leaders from across the province are in Chilliwack this weekend planning, collaborating & synergizing about what's next for search and rescue in British Columbia. Strategy. Strategy. Strategy. 👍🏼

Excellent news 📣! We greatly appreciate the support @kellyrichmondbc.bsky.social 🎉

Kelly Greene@kellyrichmondbc.bsky.social

Budget 2026 brings good news for volunteer Search and Rescue members and firefighters! Starting next year, the B.C. tax credit these volunteers can claim increases from $168 to $336. Thank you to our incredible volunteer @bcsara.com members and volunteers for the work you do to keep people safe! 💜

Winter on the North Shore always has so much to offer, even during unique winters like this 2025-26 one. This campaign is helpful for the North Shore mountains and where ever else you 🏂 ⛷️, thanks to all the partners involved & helping local SAR members on North Shore Rescue.

BC AdventureSmart@bcadvsmart.bsky.social

Know Before You Snow ❄️ Mtn days are better when everyone rides smart & gets home safe 🙌 BC AdventureSmart + Grouse Mtn are teaming up to share the Alpine Responsibility Code 🏔️🎿 ✔️ Stay in control ✔️ Give others space ✔️ Follow signs + closures ✔️ Know your limits youtu.be/6fMF6LfbfSY?...

BC Search and Rescue Association reposted

🚓 Ever wondered how police & Search and Rescue work together? Join our webinar “Behind the Badge: How Police Support SAR”
 🗓️ Feb 3, 2026 ⏰ 6–7 PM PT 💻 Zoom
⭐️ Guest: Constable Christie Falk (RCMP) Learn how SAR tasking works in British Columbia. shorturl.at/9kbhA