Whitecourt Search and Rescue

06/21/2026

Today, we welcome the first day of summer—a season of longer days, outdoor adventures, and time spent connecting with nature.

June 21 also marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, aligned with the summer solstice, a time of light, renewal, and deep cultural significance.

From coast to coast to coast, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples—whose connection to the land continues to guide and inspire how we explore and respect the outdoors.

As you head outside this summer:

Respect the land
Stay safe and hydrated
Be mindful of the places you visit

Enjoy the season. Honour the day. Stay AdventureSmart.
https://bit.ly/4vTpbGO

06/08/2026

Upcoming webinar regarding Women in SAR

Join in for an important conversation about women in Canadian Search and Rescue.🇨🇦

Over the past year, Dr. Jelena Brcic and her research team at the University of the Fraser Valley - UFV have been exploring the experiences of women serving in volunteer SAR organizations across Canada. Through a national study, participants shared their successes, challenges, pathways to leadership, and perspectives on building more inclusive SAR teams.⛑️

Now that the research has concluded, the findings will be shared in an upcoming webinar:
Women in Canadian SAR: Lessons Learned
🗓 Monday, June 22
🕠 5:30–6:30 PM PST

The session will highlight key insights on recruitment, retention, inclusion, leadership development, and organizational culture, while exploring ways to strengthen and sustain Canada's volunteer-driven SAR community.

A special shoutout to all who participated in the study, shared the survey, and helped connect the research team with SAR volunteers from across Canada.

🔗 Register here: a14d64a4-cd13-4696-aae3-5886e465f0b9@a3d10b1d-c226-48f9-a6db-976df918187e" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a14d64a4-cd13-4696-aae3-5886e465f0b9@a3d10b1d-c226-48f9-a6db-976df918187e

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Joignez-vous à une importante discussion sur les femmes dans le domaine de la recherche et du sauvetage au Canada. 🇨🇦

Au cours de la dernière année, la Dre Jelena Brcic et son équipe de recherche de l’Université de la vallée du Fraser (UFV) ont étudié les expériences vécues par les femmes qui œuvrent au sein d’organisations bénévoles de recherche et sauvetage partout au Canada. Dans le cadre d’une étude nationale, les participantes ont partagé leurs réussites, leurs défis, leurs parcours vers des rôles de leadership ainsi que leurs perspectives sur la création d’équipes de recherche et sauvetage plus inclusives. ⛑️

Maintenant que les travaux de recherche sont terminés, les résultats seront présentés lors d’un prochain webinaire :

Les femmes dans la recherche et le sauvetage au Canada : leçons apprises
🗓 Lundi 22 juin
🕠 17 h 30 à 18 h 30 (HNP)

La séance mettra en lumière des constats clés concernant le recrutement, la rétention, l’inclusion, le développement du leadership et la culture organisationnelle, tout en explorant des façons de renforcer et de soutenir la communauté canadienne de recherche et sauvetage fondée sur le bénévolat.

Un merci tout particulier à toutes les personnes qui ont participé à l’étude, partagé le sondage et aidé l’équipe de recherche à établir des liens avec des bénévoles en recherche et sauvetage partout au Canada.

🔗 Inscrivez-vous ici : a14d64a4-cd13-4696-aae3-5886e465f0b9@a3d10b1d-c226-48f9-a6db-976df918187e" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a14d64a4-cd13-4696-aae3-5886e465f0b9@a3d10b1d-c226-48f9-a6db-976df918187e

06/06/2026

Great tips from our friends at South Caribou Search and Rescue!

Winter-Damaged Trees

After winter and spring wind events:

* Deadfall remains unstable
* Leaning trees (“widowmakers”) are common
* Windy days increase falling branch hazards

Be cautious choosing campsites or stopping beneath old timber. It is also a great idea to carry a chainsaw or axe in case a tree falls and impedes your path back home.

Good Practices Right Now

* Travel in groups when possible
* Let someone know your route
* Keep dogs under control
* Carry:
* Bear spray
* Whistle
* Headlamp
* Extra layers
* Communication device
* Chainsaw / Axe
* Avoid wearing earbuds in dense bush
* Respect wildlife distance — especially young animals

One important reminder for this time of year: if you see a fawn, calf, or young animal alone, the parent is often nearby.

06/01/2026

Great job Tumbler Ridge Search and Rescue and South Peace Search and Rescue. Another reminder to stay safe while hiking!

05/25/2026

Some Outdoor Safety tips 🏔️

05/18/2026

Just a reminder before we start enjoying the warmer weather and heading out into nature, ensure you’re prepared! 🏕️

05/16/2026

Great tips to keep in mind this long weekend!

This May Long Weekend, adventure smart, not hard.

Body: We all love a good adventure on the water, but the true mark of competence is knowing the risks. We've got your back. Before you head out, remember the golden rules of water safety:

🦺 Wear your life jacket. Every. Single. Time. It only works if you're wearing it.

🗺️ Know before you go. Check the forecast and water conditions. Mother Nature can change her mind in a heartbeat.

🍻 Keep it sober. Boating and alcohol (or drugs) don't mix. Save the drinks for when you're back on shore.

📱 Have a plan. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

Let's make this May long weekend one for the history books, for all the right reasons. Adventure smart and get home safe.

05/10/2026

We had a great Friday evening with a training exercise at Festival Park in Whitecourt.

05/05/2026

With this week being Emergency Preparedness Week, ensure you’re ready in case of emergency ‼️

05/01/2026

Please remember - there will be many groups cleaning the highways in our area this weekend! Please slow down to keep everyone safe.

The Alberta RCMP is asking motorists to use extra caution on provincial highways during a province-wide highway cleanup taking place this Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This cleanup involves over 12,000 participants, including 8,000 youth from 4‑H Clubs, Junior Forest Wardens, and other youth groups. Participants will be wearing safety vests, and caution signs will be posted near cleanup areas.

Please slow down in marked areas and watch for increased foot traffic. Extra RCMP patrols will be out to help keep everyone safe and reduce speeding.

If weather doesn’t cooperate, the alternate date is May 9, 2026.

Thanks for doing your part to keep Alberta’s highways safe!