Westcoast Search and Rescue Society

09/07/2026

Last night WISAR was tasked to assist in locating and rescuing a solo canoer and their dog on Kennedy Lake. Exact location of the subject was uncertain due to limited communications with the subject. However they left a trip plan with their family and managed to get a message out when winds picked up, plans changed and they needed assistance.

The team rallied a small ground crew and resources from our fabulous neighbours Alberni Valley Rescue Squad and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue. We attempted to locate the subject via helicopter night ops but as is commonly the case in our area the fog rolled in hampering that plan. A boat team from AVRS and the Arrowsmith drone team were already on route to assist in search and access.

The subjects family had seen light on an island prior to the team’s arrival. Our team met the AVRS boat crew at the boat launch by midnight. With high hopes that the light signals that had since been returned were our target WISAR and AVRS headed across. The teams located and accessed the subject and their furry friend with the drone team providing back up in case further search was required.

Great outcome for all early this morning!

Our canoer was well prepared and experienced. They left a detailed trip plan, pulled out of dangerous conditions to wait out the wind and darkness and communicated changes as best they could. They were also prepared with provisions and a signalling devise which aided search and response time.
I hear they might get an inreach for Christmas now😉

For more information on how to prepare for success in your outdoor adventures like our canoer head over to BC AdventureSmart and CoastSmart Canada for coastal safety tips.

07/25/2026

HAPPY UKEE DAYS! 🎉

The weather is always unpredictable out here on the west coast - don’t forget to pack your waterproof layers to keep you dry on your next adventure 💧

Check out BC AdventureSmart for more trip planning resources!

07/24/2026

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to head out to West Coast Wild to review their emergency procedures in the beautiful ha‘uukmin Tribal Park. It was great opportunity to get together as a team alongside our friends from Alberni Valley Rescue Squad amongst the busy summer months!

In the event of an emergency call 911 and stay put until help arrives, our team is available 24/7. There is no cost for rescue. ⛑️

07/08/2026

Thank you Lions Bay SAR 🙌🏼

Why “Bill Them” Isn’t the Answer
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“They should be charged.”
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“They were stupid.”
“They were negligent.”
“Send them the bill.”
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We hear some version of this after almost every rescue, and it deserves a conversation.
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Search and Rescue in British Columbia does not charge people for rescue—and there are some very important reasons why.
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First, people in genuine distress need to call for help early, without first calculating whether they can afford it.
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As soon as money is involved, things get complicated. We have seen people visiting from the United States run from rescuers and try to hide in the bushes because they believed they would be charged for the rescue.
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That serves no one. It puts the subject in greater danger and makes the rescue more difficult.
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Second, Search and Rescue is treated as a public-safety service.
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We generally do not send someone a bill when firefighters respond to a house fire because they left a pan on the stove. We do not invoice someone for a car crash because they made a driving error.
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The same principle applies to SAR.
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Third, encouraging people to call early ultimately protects rescuers.
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Delayed calls frequently mean night operations, worsening weather, larger search areas and more complex terrain. All of these increase the exposure and risk to SAR members.
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The person who calls early is usually easier—and safer—to rescue than the person who waits until they have no other choice.
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Finally, it is almost impossible to fairly decide who “deserves” a bill.
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Was someone reckless? Inexperienced? Unlucky? Did they receive a bad forecast? Suffer an unexpected injury? Make a simple human error?
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Experienced mountaineers have accidents too.
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Creating a system to investigate, assign blame and potentially litigate responsibility after every rescue would be enormously complicated—and would itself cost money.
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None of this means SAR believes people have no responsibility.
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Our approach is to separate rescue from blame:
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Rescue first. Educate and prevent afterward.
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SAR volunteers spend hundreds of hours speaking at schools, hiking and mountaineering clubs, giving public presentations, sharing lessons from rescues, and encouraging people to use resources such as AdventureSmart.
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We would much rather help people make better decisions before their next trip than make them afraid to call us when something has already gone wrong.
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So yes, sometimes people make poor decisions. Sometimes people are underprepared. Sometimes people make mistakes.
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But when someone is in genuine distress, we want them to call.
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Call early. Call before the situation gets worse. Let us come and help.

06/20/2026

Do you have an emergency shelter in your pack? These small items can make a big difference in keeping you warm if your plans take a turn. It can be as simple as an emergency blanket to keep your body heat in. Check out BC AdventureSmart for more tips on being prepared this summer.

In an emergency call 911 and stay put until help arrives - there is no charge for rescue. Our team is available 24/7.

06/13/2026

Don’t forget a signalling device on your next adventure! Pop a whistle & mirror in your pack - they never run out of battery. Check out BC AdventureSmart for more tips on being prepared this summer!

In an emergency call 911 and stay put until help arrives - there is no charge for rescue. Our team is available 24/7.

06/06/2026

HAPPY WEEKEND! It’s finally warming up out here and the snow pack is melting for lots of great hikes and adventures on the west coast. Here’s a little reminder to consider sun protection as you head out the door - do you have hat, sunnies & SPF??

Check out for more resources!

05/31/2026

The WISAR team had our annual heli hover training with our good friends and local partners 🚁

As the busy season ramps up out here on the coast our team is keeping busy with training to be ready to help anyone who may need it this summer.

In an emergency call 911 and stay put until help arrives - there is no charge for rescue. Our team is available 24/7.

📸

05/30/2026

Our new members got given their gortex at our AGM to keep us dry and warm during any task and training our here on the west coast.

It’s a great reminder to and BRING EXTRA CLOTHING - make sure you have the three essential layers: base, insulation, & protection, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions. Embrace synthetic materials and ditch the cotton to keep you cozy on your next adventure. 🧢🧤🧦