Southern Arizona Rescue Association

Southern Arizona Rescue Association SARA is a non-profit, all-volunteer search and rescue organization serving southern Arizona and Pima County since 1958.

SARA members are volunteers from all walks of life, donating their time, skills and enthusiasm to provide a vital service to the public.

Search and rescue is kinda chic!There are many moments worth romanticizing in SAR, from special moments like getting flo...
09/04/2026

Search and rescue is kinda chic!

There are many moments worth romanticizing in SAR, from special moments like getting flown into the field via helicopter down to the everyday tasks such as getting ready to respond to a call.

08/25/2026

The Southern Arizona Rescue Association was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for two calls this weekend.

8-22-2026 SARA was requested for the rescue of two individuals who had run out of water and daylight near Hutch’s Pools as a thunderstorm was approaching. Teams hiked in, met the individuals near Hutch’s Pools, rehydrated them, and walked them out of the field.

8-23-2026 SARA was requested for the rescue of a member of a party of five with heat exhaustion on the Bear Canyon Trail near 7 Falls. Teams loaded up their packs with fluids and began the hike up the canyon. On the way, teams encountered two additional groups of people in need of assistance. In total, 1 individual was flown out and 12 were hiked out after being treated for heat exhaustion.

Remember that it is still summertime and monsoon season in Southern Arizona. Temperatures are high and even hotter on trails with little shade or in canyons that trap heat. If you must hike, do so early in the morning on short trails you know well and can easily bail out on. Do not continue to hike past mid morning and do not rely on the evening to hike, as storms may roll in. Always check the weather forecast and bring more water than you think you need.

08/03/2026

8-1-26 the Southern Arizona Rescue Association was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue of person who fell in Tanque Verde Canyon below the main falls. The subject had an injury that prevented walking out and was not a good candidate for a ground evac. Teams of SARA and Rural Metro hiked in to access and assess the patient. Due to the injury, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter was requested. The patient was hoisted out and flown to the hospital for medical care.

Rescues of fall injures are common in this area where people are hiking down canyon from the main falls. We encourage hikers to be especially careful when navigating the rocks along the canyon.

SARA's services are always free. Please do not hesitate to call 911 and ask for Search and Rescue if you are in need of assistance.

7-22-26 The Southern Arizona Rescue Association was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue o...
07/23/2026

7-22-26 The Southern Arizona Rescue Association was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue of a Tanque Verde Falls area hiker who had slipped and injured their leg. Due to the location, a helicopter hoist was used to get the subject to definitive care.

Please remember SARA's services are always free. If in need of assistance, don't hesitate, dial 911 and ask for Search and Rescue.

07/14/2026

Our second and final new member orientation for the year is next Thursday, July 23rd at 7 PM at the SARA House, located in the Sabino Canyon overflow lot. Attending an orientation is the first step (and mandatory) in the process of joining SARA. There, you will learn about our trainings, meet members, and gain access to the application. We hope to see you next week!

07/05/2026

This morning, the Southern Arizona Rescue Association walked in the Mount Lemmon Fourth of July parade, passing out Gatorade and candy. We hope you have a fun and safe 4th of July!

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!
07/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!

6-21-26 the was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue of a child who had twisted their ankl...
06/22/2026

6-21-26 the was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue of a child who had twisted their ankle and could not walk out. A hasty team hiked in to assess the child while a second team brought a stokes basket in. The child was given medical care and carried out to the trailhead using the wheeled stokes basket. Some of the rescue team remained with the parent for the hike out. Because of the extended amount of time for the rescue, the parent began to suffer heat issues, and it was determined that they would also need medical intervention and a stokes carry to the trailhead. Both were transferred to an ambulance for further care.

Remember! SARA is always free.
Call 9-1-1 at the first sign of heat issues. Please do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1 and ask for Search and Rescue if you are in need of help.

Congratulations to Gen, the new Vice President of the Mountain Rescue Association! Gen was elected during the MRA confe...
06/19/2026

Congratulations to Gen, the new Vice President of the Mountain Rescue Association! Gen was elected during the MRA conference in Juneau, Alaska last week.

Gen has been a member of SARA since 2018 and on the MRA Committee for the last four years. Her favorite SARA memory was when we had a three event day where we had winter training up on the mountain, went down to Tanque Verde for a call, and then back up the mountain for an overnight for two hypothermic subjects.

Address

5990 N Sabino Canyon Road
Tucson, AZ
85750

Telephone

+15209558686

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Southern Arizona Rescue Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category