The B.C. government is giving almost $6 million to the B.C. Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) to support SAR teams around the province.
B.C. officials said ground search-and-rescue (GSAR) groups are usually most busy in the summer as they work to keep people safe in the backcountry and assist with wildfire evacuations.
Columbia Valley Search and Rescue are no exception, with 12 calls for service through July.
Search Manager Nancy Loraas said people are spending time outdoors to enjoy warm summer temperatures.
“We had a cool, rainy spring, and it seems more and more people are heading out to enjoy the backcountry,” said Loraas.
“When you’re hiking, climbing or biking, always make a trip plan, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back, know your ability, take food, water and gear and remember some kind of communication device.”
B.C. officials said this annual round of funding helps keep SAR teams up on training and pays for improved tools and resources.
“We are incredibly proud and grateful for our province’s search-and-rescue teams who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of people in need,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
“In addition to reimbursements for operational expenses, this funding helps B.C.’s 78 GSAR groups and 3,000 volunteers access the training and resources they need to carry out their vital work of keeping people safe.”
The money will be split between all of B.C.’s SAR groups.
“BCSARA and the 78 GSAR groups appreciate the continued support of the Province,” said Chris Mushumanski, BCSARA president.
“The benefits of this sustainable funding are put to good use by the incredibly dedicated volunteers in the GSAR groups daily, and includes our Adventure Hub public education and prevention program as well as the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) mental-health program.”
The province said they also provide incident-related reimbursements to cover operating costs.
B.C. SAR teams help keep people like Ali Currie-Bell, a visitor from the Calgary area, safe when emergencies happen outdoors.
“During an unfortunate situation where I was unable to get off North Star Hill in Kimberley, BCSARA was called,” said Currie-Bell.
“They stayed in constant contact, reassuring and comforting us. Their calm handling of the situation and quick action got me the medical care I needed. I am grateful for everything they did to get us home safely.”
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