South Columbia Search and Rescue

South Columbia Search and Rescue South Columbia Search and Rescue is a group of skilled volunteers deployed in the Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Salmo area.

South Columbia Search and Rescue is a group of skilled volunteers. When requested, by the RCMP, we are deployed through PEP, the Provincial Emergency Program, to assist in Ground - Inland Water Search and Rescue, as well as many other Emergencies. Our members are highly trained in searching techniques. We have specialized training in Swift water Rescue, Rope Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, Tracking,

Avalanche Response as well as in SAR Management. South Columbia encompasses the area of Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Salmo. We participate, through mutual aid, with other West Kootenay SAR groups including Nelson, Rossland, Castlegar, Nakusp, etc. Along with JIBC (Justice Institute of BC) based training, SCSAR members also participate in 'common adventure' activities which incorporate SAR training, enhancing the skill level of members.

We are honoured with this. We are humbled with the continued support we receive from the local municipalities, agencies,...
05/11/2025

We are honoured with this. We are humbled with the continued support we receive from the local municipalities, agencies, businesses, funders, neighboring SAR groups, and most of all, the members of our communities in and around our area! South Columbia SAR appreciates you all! Thank you!

06/30/2024

Today, June 29th, marks the 13th anniversary of Nelson SAR volunteer Sheilah Sweatman's death. The then 29 year old was killed while on a swift water response in the Goat River near Creston, BC.

Scott's infectious smile, great sense of humor, and perspectives on life will be missed.Thank you Scott for all your con...
06/07/2024

Scott's infectious smile, great sense of humor, and perspectives on life will be missed.
Thank you Scott for all your contributions.

On behalf of Castlegar Search and Rescue, we would like to share this post in memory of Scott Follis.

CSAR was saddened to hear of the passing of former member, Scott Follis, on June 1st from cancer. Scott was a valued member of CSAR in 2021 and 2022. He was forced to end his time with CSAR as his health deteriorated and he decided to return to Ottawa.

Scott will be remembered as an enthusiastic, reliable member who was always keen to take on a task where he was needed. Scott came to CSAR from Rossland & District SAR when his health started to fail and he could not continue operating in the field, but realized CSAR was looking for Command Post operators. We quickly realized his aptitude to fix things and “get er done”, so harnessed his energy as our vehicle lead. He did an outstanding job of getting our fleet up to s***f. His contributions to the group were invaluable including a term on the Board of Directors before it was cut short for health issues.

What Scott will likely be remembered for most, was his ability to always maintain a positive attitude. No matter what the challenge, he was always there with an infectious smile finding a way to make it happen. He kept this up even as his health declined. He refused to let the cancer beat him down.

We will miss you, Scott and salute a fallen comrade. We thank you for your service.

Beaver Valley May Days Great Parade! South Columbia SAR was happy to partake! Let's do that again next year!
05/26/2024

Beaver Valley May Days Great Parade! South Columbia SAR was happy to partake! Let's do that again next year!

Great information on outdoor safety on a variety of outdoor topics! Improve yourself, learn and reinforce good habits, g...
04/29/2024

Great information on outdoor safety on a variety of outdoor topics! Improve yourself, learn and reinforce good habits, get your outdoor fun, and support these programs! Thank you BC AdventureSmart for making these programs!

📣 Announcing our SUMMER 2024 EXPERT WEBINAR SERIES!
REGISTER HERE for all events listed below.
https://bcsara.com/outdoor-education/events/
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10 special events, 13 unique guests and sponsored (with outdoor giveaways 🎁 ) from 5 organizations tagged below!

Your adventurous summer starts here!

May 9, 2024
Hiking with Clara Hughes (ya, ‘that Clara Hughes!’)

May 16, 2024
The Camper's Code - Take the Pledge with Campers Code Alliance members Sherry Lu & Jamie Cox

May 30, 2024
Human Hazard Management with Ken Wylie founder of Archetypal

June 6, 2024
Wildfire Traps Hiker - Hiker Shares Story (+ co-special guest Pilot from Glacier Helicopters aka SAR member from Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR))

June 13, 2024
Injury Prevention with Dr. Peter Koci aka a SAR volunteer with Coquitlam Search and Rescue

June 20, 2024
Emergency Overnight Stay - 77 year old Hiker Shares Story

July 11, 2024
Are you CoastSmart? with Shandy Kariatsumari, Lifesaving Instructor and Surf Instructor Trainer + Krissy Montgomery founding member of the British Columbia Association of Surf Instruction (owner of Surf Sisters)

July 18, 2024
Rad Rides with Mountain Bike Pro Geoff Gulevich

July 25, 2024
BC Wildfire Service - Climate Readiness in Outdoor Recreation BC Wildfire Service with Warren Morozowski

August 1, 2024
Rad Rides with Mountain Bike Pro Christina Chappetta (Pinkbike presenter)

Recco Advanced Rescue Technology BrightSource Lighting Arc'teryx MYBOATCARD.com Surf Sister Surf School

This is a great exercise!
04/29/2024

This is a great exercise!

Southern Interior Rope Exercise -S.I.R.E. 2024
Day 1 in the books....

Great day had by all 60+ members from 24 SAR teams from across BC.

Thanks to Gateway Grill for the great food :-)

Goodnight from Clearwater, looking forward to day 2....

04/29/2024

Plan ahead for THE GROUSE GRIND TRAILCheck the Grouse Mountain Regional Park page on Metro Vancouvers website for more information. https://bit.ly/3LYQxVsTh...

Was awesome to see all the SAR members who attended SAREX2023! Thank you Nelson SAR for putting it on!
09/18/2023

Was awesome to see all the SAR members who attended SAREX2023! Thank you Nelson SAR for putting it on!

06/29/2023

In 2011, while on a search and recovery call out to a submerged vehicle, Sheilah drowned when she became entrapped by a steel cable. Today, we remember her as a generous, talented, skilled and courageous SAR member who inspired others and will never be forgotten.

Thank you Trail Firefighters for putting on a great parade! We had lots of fun being a part of it!
05/13/2023

Thank you Trail Firefighters for putting on a great parade! We had lots of fun being a part of it!

03/30/2023

Be careful out there! Be safe everyone!

Address

2000 Main Street
Fruitvale, BC
V0G1L0

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