MEDIA RELEASE
May 14, 2025
As British Columbians prepare for the Victoria Day long weekend, the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) reminds everyone that most search and rescue (SAR) calls involve local residents — not just travelers or tourists.
Between 2022 and 2024, 95% of search and rescue cases in BC involved people enjoying the outdoors close to home — including residents and nearby visitors. While familiar trails and parks can seem safe, SAR teams are most often called out for injuries (the leading cause), followed by lost or disoriented individuals, and those misjudging their skills or the terrain.
The #1 reason for search and rescue in BC is injury — particularly to the lower body — caused by slips, trips, and falls. It’s a reminder that even common activities on familiar terrain can quickly turn serious without proper preparation.
Who’s Being Rescued?
(20–29 years old: ~30% of SAR subjects)
- Residents exploring nearby trails
- Local visitors staying within their region
- British Columbians just outside their home area
Questions to Consider:
- Do we prepare the same when we “know” the area?
- Are we packing the right gear for terrain, weather, and duration?
- Could a little planning and awareness help prevent emergencies — and prepare you to handle them?
Be AdventureSmart This Long Weekend
🎒 Pack Like a Pro 👉 https://bcsara.com/outdoor-education/pack-like-a-pro/
Video tips on what to bring — even for short outings.
📚 Outdoor Safety Programs 👉🏽 https://www.adventuresmart.ca/programs/
Survive Outside and Hug a Tree & Survive offer skills for adults and kids.
📅 Summer 2025 Webinar Series (May 7 – July 29) 👉 bcsara.com/outdoor-education/events
Eight free online sessions with field experts.
📲 Trip Plan App 👉🏽 adventuresmart.ca/trip-plan-app
Tell someone your route and return time.
Let’s Reduce the Impacts on Search and Rescue in BC!
📍 www.bcsara.com/outdoor-education
🌐 www.adventuresmart.ca
––
Media Contact:
BC Search and Rescue Association
📧 media@bcsara.com | 🌐 www.bcsara.com
#BCAdventureSmart #VictoriaDayBC #TripPlanBC #PackLikeAPro #OutdoorSafety #BCSAR #LongWeekendBC #InjuryPrevention #ExploreSmartBC
About BCSARA
Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) in British Columbia is provided solely by highly trained volunteers. On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, these skilled professionals provide their time, dedication, and expertise at no cost to the individuals they rescue. BC SAR teams have never not responded to an activation in the 20-year history of the BCSARA organization. BCSARA is proud to represent the 3,200 GSAR volunteers in B.C. who make up 78 teams across the province. BC GSAR respond to 1,960 SAR incidents per year and volunteer 504,000 hours annually.
Follow us on X (@BCSARAssoc) Follow us on Instagram (@bcadvsmart)
Follow us on Facebook (@BCSARAssoc) Follow us on X (@BCAdvSmart)
Follow us on Instagram (@bcsarassoc) Follow us on Facebook (@BCAdvSmart)
Follow us on YouTube (@BCSARAssoc)
How to request SAR help
All requests must go through 911 or, if using a satellite phone, through the Emergency Coordination Centre at 1-800-663-3456. Do NOT wait 24 hours to report someone overdue or missing. SAR teams can only be activated by a requesting agency such as the police or EHS.
There is no charge for search and rescue in British Columbia.
To donate to support these volunteers, please visit here.
––
“As British Columbians head into the Victoria Day long weekend, we want to remind everyone that the majority of those rescued in our province’s backcountry aren’t tourists — they’re locals. It’s easy to underestimate the risks in familiar places, but a little planning can go a long way. By using BC AdventureSmart’s free safety tools and embracing a preparedness mindset, we can all help reduce preventable incidents and support our dedicated SAR volunteers who respond year-round.”
— Chris Mushumanski, President, BC Search and Rescue Association