Coquitlam Search and Rescue

10/18/2026

Beautiful Weather? Heading Into the Backcountry? Plan Ahead!

The sunshine is calling, and it's a great time to get outdoors! But remember, beautiful weather doesn't mean the backcountry is without risks. Conditions can change quickly, and even a familiar trail can present unexpected challenges.

Before you head out, remember the Three Ts of AdventureSmart:

🥾 Trip Planning: Know where you're going, check conditions and leave your trip plan with someone who knows when you expect to return.

🎒 Training: Choose an adventure that matches your experience and abilities, and know your limits.

🧭 Taking the Essentials: Bring the essential gear for your trip and know how to use it.

Don't forget extra food and water, warm layers, a headlamp, navigation tools and a first aid kit. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Want more backcountry safety tips? Check out BC AdventureSmart

Enjoy the sunshine, explore responsibly and get home safely!

10/15/2026

Recently, Coquitlam SAR supported the Coquitlam RCMP in locating and assisting 19 overdue hikers in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.

This past Tuesday evening, several members of the hiking group visited our training night to personally thank the team. Their gratitude was heartfelt, sincere, and deeply moving. They shared how frightening it was to be lost in the dark and how the lights of SAR responders arriving through the trees felt like “a light of hope in the darkness.”

They also spoke openly about the lessons they learned. As they wrote in their letter:

“We take responsibility for being inadequately prepared.”
“We have learned a difficult and humbling lesson.”

The group told us they now understand the importance of planning their route, carrying essential gear, especially lights, and allowing enough time to return before dark. Their willingness to reflect, learn, and share their experience is something we deeply respect.

A Message to Our Community:

No one should ever feel embarrassed or ashamed for needing Search and Rescue.
No one should be ridiculed for needing help.

SAR teams in BC are here to help. People make mistakes, plans change, weather shifts, injuries happen, and technology fails. SAR exists because well‑intentioned adventures can go sideways. If you need help, call early. We would much rather respond to a call that turns out to be minor than arrive after a situation becomes dangerous.

Why SAR Teams in B.C. Don’t Charge for Rescues:
Charging creates hesitation, people delay calling for help, and situations become far more dangerous. SAR is a public‑safety service, just like fire, police and ambulance.

Our goal is simple: save lives, not create barriers.

If you need help, call. If you’re lost, stay put. If you’re unsure, reach out. There is no fee, no judgment, and no shame.

Be

---

This week's visit from the hikers was a reminder of why we do what we do. Their gratitude and their commitment to learning from the experience, means a great deal to our team.

Stay safe, be prepared, and enjoy the incredible wilderness we’re lucky to have in our backyard.

– Coquitlam SAR

10/12/2026

October 11, 2026 at 9:15pm, Coquitlam SAR broke away from Thanksgiving dinners to locate and es**rt 19 hikers on Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. Ground teams and E-bike teams were deployed to locate the hikers who ended up being separated into 2 separate groups. Unfortunately, the subjects were also not properly equipped for a day hike but were none the worse for wear from their adventure. Coquitlam RCMP located part of the group on the Woodland Walk and Coquitlam SAR located the remainder of the hiking group on a mountain bike trail East of the other group. All subjects and team members were returned safely just after midnight.

This task, again is a good reminder of the Three T's promoted by AdventureSmart (https://www.adventuresmart.ca/the-three-ts/). The 3rd T - Taking the essentials (i.e. the 10 Essentials) would have greatly assisted the subjects who lacked lights for travelling in low light conditions.

10/06/2026

🚨 NEW COQUITLAM SAR SUPPORTER GEAR IS HERE! 🏔️

Want to show your Coquitlam Search & Rescue pride while supporting the volunteers who are ready 24/7, 365 days a year? Now you can! ❤️

👕 T-Shirts — $40
🧢 Baseball Hats — $20
🧶 Toques — $20

🛍️ Place your order here:
https://forms.gle/tgQ1YW3FYV6kjBvf6

📅 Orders will be ready for pickup starting October 20!

10/06/2026

October 19, 2026 Special Event - don't miss out! https://bcsara.com/outdoor-education/events/with the Search and Rescue perspective from the people involved in bringing him home.

10/04/2026

On October 3, 2026, Coquitlam SAR was reactivated to continue to search some additional terrain, in particular drainages, as part of a continued effort for the search for Sang Alfred Wong on Burke Mountain who has been missing since November 4th, 2025.

If you have any information that could assist, please contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.

10/01/2026

🐾 Our SAR rope dog toys have been restocked!
You can now find our handmade dog toys at both Good Dog locations in Port Moody and Port Coquitlam!

A huge thank you to Good Dog for supporting Coquitlam Search and Rescue and helping us raise funds for our volunteer team. Your support means so much to us! ❤️

Pick up a toy for your four-legged best friend while supporting a great cause!

09/29/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Port Moody Foundation for your generous support! Your contribution helps Coquitlam Search & Rescue continue to serve our community and be there when people need us most

09/28/2026