Skagit Bay Search and Rescue

03/19/2026

This past weekend, Skagit Bay Search & Rescue was proud to support a high school sailing regatta at Cap Sante in Anacortes. Our crew provided a dedicated safety vessel on the water both days, along with an onshore team to assist as needed.

Despite some blustery conditions Sunday morning, the young sailors showed impressive skill and determination navigating the course. It was great to see teams from across Western Washington come together for a weekend of competition, teamwork, and time on the water.

We’re always glad to support events like this, helping ensure a safe environment so participants can focus on learning, competing, and enjoying the experience.

A big thanks to the organizers, coaches, and volunteers who made the weekend possible and well done to all the sailors out there!

02/23/2026

Last night SBSAR conducted Night Operations Training to maintain readiness for after-dark missions on our Bay 3 vessel.

Certified Coxswains are required to log night hours to remain qualified, and sessions like this ensure both experienced operators and newer members build the skills needed to work safely in low visibility.

We practiced:
• Beach landings
• Man Overboard recovery
• Search grid patterns
• Low-light navigation

We were joined by newly certified crew, a Coxswain working toward night qualification, and a navigator progressing toward certification, all under the oversight of our new SBSAR President, Bruce Hanna.

When the call comes — day or night — we’re ready.

Rescue Ready. Community Strong.

02/08/2026

Today both Skagit Bay Search and Rescue boats were on the water providing safety and support for the Rowers Race in La Conner.

Strong winds and fast current made for challenging conditions, but rowers, paddle boarders, kayakers, and support crews alike rose to the occasion and ran the course down the channel with determination and grit.

Our volunteer crews were proud to be part of the event, monitoring conditions, assisting as needed, and helping ensure everyone made it back safely.

Events like this highlight not only the skill and preparedness of our SAR teams, but also the resilience of this local boating and paddling community.

A big thank-you to the race organizers, participants, and fellow safety partners for a well-run event despite tough conditions.

Rescue Ready. Community Strong.

01/17/2026

Today our Skagit Bay Search & Rescue crew ran a training mission aboard our Bay 1 boat and headed over to Shelter Bay Marina for our annual Polar Plunge. SBSAR members suited up in anti-exposure suits and took the plunge to reinforce cold-water survival skills and proper gear use, critical preparation for real-world responses in our local waters.

We were grateful to be joined by our Medical Officer Heather Jones and three volunteers from the Skagit County Medical Reserve Corps, who shared an excellent talk on hypothermia: What it is, how it presents, and why early recognition and treatment matter so much in marine and cold-weather incidents.

Beautiful weather made for a great training day, and the MRC topped it off with hot cocoa and cookies, very much appreciated by a group of freshly dunked responders!

Huge thanks to Skagit County MRC for supporting today’s training and for the vital work they do year-round to strengthen emergency response, public health, and community resilience here in Skagit County. Partnerships like this make all of us better prepared and safer on the water.

12/25/2025

😉

Thanks to our friends from the north!

12/25/2025

Thank you to our wonderful community and volunteers!

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Looking forward to another great year serving our community.

Happy New Year!

12/13/2025

So proud of this fellow SAR member. She has assisted with training our SBSAR team. Congratulations Isle Lindall. 💙🩵💙

Isle Lindall has been awarded the Volunteer Community Pillar Award by the Skagit First Responder Foundation for her commitment to the Skagit County Volunteer Search and Rescue Program.

12/11/2025

Please stay safe during the flood!

12/11/2025

Everyone stay safe and dry out there.

Skagit County is experiencing major flooding. Residents within the FEMA 100-year floodplain need to evacuate to high ground immediately.

Track state-wide road conditions and closures on the State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website at: https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/

11/27/2025

A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to support SBSARs 1st Annual Fall Fundraiser at Bastion Brewing Company!

Because of your generosity our community, sponsors (Anacortes Kayak Tours and North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery) and volunteers, we raised $5,000 to keep our rescue boats fueled, maintained and mission ready.

From the live music to the raffle, from shared stories and new connections, the night was everything we hoped it would be. Thank-you!

Rescue Ready. Community Strong.

11/22/2025

Saturday, November 22nd at Bastion Brewing Company!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, our raffle bundles are shaping up to be amazing — come see for yourself!
A $25 suggested donation gets you four raffle tickets and one of our custom event tote bags.

Special thanks to Anacortes Kayak Tours and North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery for sponsoring the event, and to The Corner Café, Momo Pop, and The Scone Lady for providing delicious treats!

1) Anacortes Kayak Tours ~ Deception Pass trip for 2, including swag $160, The Red Snapper (gifts) $25, B.U.Tiful (Candle melter & wax) $40, Watermark (2 books) $53, Momo Pop Gummies $10, SBSAR Event Tote $5 Total: $293

2) Island Adventures (Trip for 2) $268, The Red Snapper (gifts) $25, Anchor Candle Holders with candles $45, SBSAR Event Tote $5 Total: $343

3) Ladders Clothing (assorted goods) $98, Salty Farms (candle & hat) $50, Seaport Books $30, Laconner Pub $50, Oil & Vinegar $30, Swinomish PD Mug $20, SBSAR Challenge Coin $25, SBSAR Event tote $5
Total: $310

4) Scott Milo Gallery (Framed Tulip Poster) $120, The Red Snapper (gifts) $25, Wine $40, Pelican Bay Books $50, Sempre Italiano (cork) $10, Swinomish PD mug $20, SBSAR Challenge Coin $25, SBSAR Event Tote $5 Total: $310

5) Atown Bistro $100, Watermark books & tote $67, The Still handmaid glasses $96, Mo’s Eclectic Gifts earrings and stickers $30, SBSAR Event Tote $5 Total: $300

6) Anthony’s Restaurant (2 Apps, 2 sm. Salads, 2 Entrees & 2 Desserts) $250, Wooden Boat books & Puzzle $50, SBSAR Event Tote $5
Total: $305

Starts at 6pm sharp and will feature live music (performed by SBSAR members), stories & general good vibes.

Rescue Ready. Community Strong.