Santa Barbara County Search And Rescue

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Santa Barbara County Search And Rescue

60 Years Of Service in Santa Barbara County, So That Others May Live

08/25/2026

Vehicle Over the Side (8/25/26) — At 1:58 PM, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue responded to a report of a vehicle over the side of West Camino Cielo.

CHP Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County Fire Dept also responded and were able to determine that the vehicle was from a previous accident. Markings previously placed on the vehicle to alert first responders that it was from an old accident had worn off after prolonged exposure to the elements. Two SBCSAR teams were tasked with renewing the markings on the vehicle.

We are thankful this incident turned out not to be an emergency and appreciate the coordinated efforts of our partner agencies.

08/23/2026

At 1:32 PM, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue responded to the Inspiration Point Trail for a hiker who was feeling faint. The 31-year-old woman had been hiking with friends, who called 911 when she began to feel ill.

Santa Barbara County Fire Dept and Santa Barbara City Fire Dept were able to make patient contact while SBCSAR was en route and provide medical care. Once on scene, SBCSAR transported the hiker and a fire medic back down to the trailhead. There, patient care was transferred to AMR for further evaluation.

We also appreciate and want to thank Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit for responding in case a hoist was necessary.

08/11/2026

Overnight Search and Rescue Near Arlington Peak

Last night at approximately 10:30 p.m., Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) was activated for a missing trail runner in the Jesusita Trail and Arlington Peak area.

The runner had set out from the Jesusita Trailhead earlier in the afternoon and had not returned. With family unable to reach him, multiple ground teams, an e-bike team, and UAV (drone) teams from SBCSAR and Santa Barbara County Fire Department were deployed to search the Jesusita, Inspiration Point, Tunnel Trail, and surrounding areas.

As one ground team reached Inspiration Point and called out for the subject, they heard a response in the distance. The team continued toward Arlington Peak via a steep, overgrown and difficult-to-follow section of trail, periodically calling out and establishing increasingly clear voice contact with the missing runner as they got closer.

At approximately 3:00 a.m., rescuers located him on the “Dragon’s Back” of the Arlington Peak area. He reportedly had become dehydrated during his run and remained in the area for several hours, eventually falling asleep. He awoke when he heard the search team calling for him.

Due to the remote and rugged terrain, Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit Copter 3 responded to assist with the extraction. An additional SBCSAR team established a landing zone on a private ranch below Inspiration Point. At approximately 3:50 am this morning Copter 3 hoisted the runner and rescuers from the mountain and transported them to the landing zone.

Following the hoist, the runner and all field teams were safely returned from the mountain, bringing the overnight search to a successful conclusion.

This incident is a good reminder that even familiar local trails can become difficult to navigate after dark. Carry adequate water, a light source, a charged phone, and always let someone know your planned route and expected return time.

SBCSAR also appreciated the assistance of Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s drone team, which deployed a drone to help pinpoint the runner’s location, as well as the ranch owner for providing access and critical assistance during the operation.

08/09/2026

Multiple Rescues in the Santa Barbara Frontcountry

Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue responded to multiple calls for hikers in distress in the mountains above Santa Barbara today, with high temperatures and a lack of water provisions playing a significant role.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., the team was paged for a hiker needing assistance near Gibraltar Road. Search & Rescue established direct phone contact and determined the hiker was approximately six miles down Angostura Pass toward Gibraltar Reservoir. Although uninjured, the hiker was out of water and needed assistance returning to their vehicle.

Two SBCSAR field teams deployed, including a team utilizing e-bikes, while Santa Barbara County Fire and Santa Barbara City Fire also responded to assist.

As rescuers arrived in the area, SBCSAR received another call for two hikers in distress near La Cumbre Peak. The hikers had lost the trail and descended approximately 50 feet off their intended route. They reported being exposed to direct sun, out of water, and low on energy.

Rescuers established phone contact, confirmed their location, and instructed them to remain in place while teams responded. After reaching the hikers, rescuers determined that one was unable to safely hike out. Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit was requested for a hoist evacuation, and ultimately both hikers were hoisted from the area.

While responding to the rescue, SBCSAR members also encountered three additional hikers attempting a round trip to La Cumbre Peak who were struggling with the heat and running low on water. Team members provided them with additional water and arranged transportation back to the Tunnel Trailhead rather than having them continue hiking in the conditions.

Today’s responses are an important reminder that summer heat can quickly turn a routine hike into an emergency. Carry more water than you think you’ll need, know your route, and consider turning around early if temperatures, water supplies, or energy levels become a concern.

SBCSAR appreciates the coordinated response and support from partnering agencies.

07/25/2026

Swiftwater Rescue Training | July 18–19

Members of Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue traveled to the Kern River near Kernville to participate in intensive swiftwater rescue training.

Swiftwater rescue is one of the most technically demanding rescue disciplines. Swiftwater is powerful, relentless, and predictable. Those who understand its hydraulics can anticipate how moving water will behave, while those who do not can quickly find themselves in danger. Ongoing training is essential to safely and effectively operate in these demanding environments.

Throughout the weekend, team members trained on essential techniques including swimming in moving water, victim rescue, rope systems, ferry angles, and rescue scenarios designed to simulate real world incidents. Training in dynamic environments like the Kern River helps ensure our members are prepared to respond safely and effectively when called upon to assist those in need.

A special thank you to our instructors, training staff, and everyone who dedicated their weekend to strengthening these critical lifesaving skills.

07/15/2026

Extreme Heat Warning for Santa Barbara County

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday at 8:00 PM. Expect temperatures of 90–110°F, hottest on Wednesday, with warm nights and rising humidity offering little relief.

If you’re planning to hike or spend time outdoors, take extra precautions:

• Carry more water than you think you’ll need and drink regularly. Supplement with electrolytes (especially on longer hikes) to replace salts lost through heavy sweating.

• Start early and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat (10 AM–4 PM).

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.

• Know your limits, monitor how you feel, and when in doubt, turn around.

• Always tell someone your route and expected return time.

• Keep pets off hot trails and pavement.

Heat illness can strike fast. Signs like dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or rapid heartbeat mean it’s time to get to shade/cool air immediately and call 911.

Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue
regularly responds to hikers and outdoor users in distress due to heat related illness. Many of these calls are preventable with smart planning, adequate hydration, and electrolyte replacement.

During periods of extreme heat, the safest choice may be to postpone your hike or outdoor adventure until temperatures return to normal.

Stay safe out there!

07/13/2026

San Ysidro Trail Rescue (7/12/26) - At 3:52 PM, SBCSAR, along with Montecito Fire and Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit, were dispatched to San Ysidro Trail for a report of an injured hiker.

The hiker was located near San Ysidro Falls after suffering injuries in a fall. Medical care was provided on scene by fire medics while the hiker was prepared for a helicopter hoist.

Copter 3 successfully hoisted the hiker and transported them to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

We wish the hiker a full and speedy recovery.

📸 Montecito Fire

06/13/2026

Rattlesnake season has already started, and outdoor enthusiasts should expect to encounter more rattlesnakes on trails throughout Santa Barbara County as temperatures continue to rise.

Before your next hike, trail run, or mountain bike ride, take a moment to review these safety tips. Knowing how to avoid an encounter and what to do if you or someone else is bitten can make a significant difference in an emergency.

Our local trails are a great place to explore, and rattlesnakes are a natural part of that environment. Staying alert, giving wildlife space, and being prepared helps keep everyone safe.

Save this post for your next outdoor adventure and share it with your hiking partners.

Stay prepared. Stay aware. Hike safe.

05/20/2026

A busy night for SBCSAR (5/19/26) – At 4:51 PM, SBCSAR was dispatched for evacuations in the Cuyama Valley area due to the Foothill Fire. Four teams were conducting evacuations when another fire, the Farren Fire, broke out in Goleta, forcing mandatory evacuations in the area. At 8:55 PM, three teams assigned to the Foothill Fire were diverted to the Farren Fire, while two additional teams responded from Santa Barbara. Thankfully, the fire was quickly contained, and all teams were canceled while en route. Teams assigned to the Foothill Fire returned to that station by 12:00 AM.

At 1:30 AM, SBCSAR was dispatched to assist with a missing 85-year-old male. Teams searched high-probability areas he was known to frequent. Unfortunately, initial search efforts were unsuccessful, and the search was suspended at 4:00 AM until daylight. Thankfully, he was found later that morning in a creek near his home. We are grateful he was reunited safely with his family. A special thank you to for deploying two handlers and two trailing dogs to assist in the search efforts. CARDA was requested through Cal OES as part of California’s statewide search and rescue mutual aid system.

If you have a loved one who may be prone to wandering due to age, cognitive decline, autism, or other conditions, programs like Project Lifesaver can be an invaluable tool in helping first responders quickly locate missing individuals. Early location can make a critical difference in bringing loved ones home safely. To learn more about Project Lifesaver, please DM us or visit https://sbcsar.org/project-life-saver

05/17/2026

More Mesa Rescue (5/16/26) - At approximately 3:30 p.m., SBCSAR was dispatched alongside and for a paraglider who had crashed into the cliffside at More Mesa.

The paraglider’s chute became caught on the edge of the cliff, and fellow paragliders quickly rigged an additional chute to help prevent the female pilot from falling.

Santa Barbara County Fire was first on scene, where crews established a rope system and lowered a medic over the cliff to secure the patient. Rescuers at the top then built a raising system and safely brought both the medic and paraglider back to the top.

Copter 308 remained on scene throughout the operation in the event a helicopter hoist rescue became necessary.

Fortunately, the pilot did not sustain any injuries and was released by medics on scene.

Address

66 S. San Antonio Road
Santa Barbara, CA
93110

Website

http://www.sbcsar.net/donate, http://www.sbcsar.net/

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