We’re excited to announce that Squamish SAR is a finalist for the Defender Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services Award. Selected by popular vote, the winning team gets to bring home a new Land Rover Defender in addition to a $25,000 USD donation prize and many in-kind Pelican products valued over $8,000 USD. Support Squamish SAR! Vote every day until Oct 4th.
We are a volunteer community-based organization that provides 24/7 search and rescue services in and around Squamish, British Columbia, Canada.
Accidents happen in the outdoors; members of our team provide the technical and emergency medical skills required to reach, treat and extricate injured, distressed or lost people from the backcountry.
Our primary response area extends from Porteau Cove to Whistler. We respond to emergencies in locations not accessible to other emergency services, such as fast moving water and mountainous terrain.
For backcountry emergencies, dial 911 and ask for the police. Where cellular service does not exist, activate your satellite based messaging device, stay in one place, and talk to the operator.
Squamish Search and Rescue operates on the unceded lands of the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw).
Staying safe requires more than just calling for help.
Stay calm, stop bleeding, stabilize critical injuries and move to a safe location before initiating a response.
Moving too far after we’ve been dispatched further complicates extrication plans and may delay help.
Reaching your location may take time; carry extra layers, daily medications, and spare food/drink.
Waving, bright colours, smoke, whistle blasts and loud noises will all help us locate you sooner.
Once located, the helicopter and crew may land nearby, or leave to reconfigure for a return flight. Do not approach the helicopter while blades are turning.
As part of our commitment to safety, we deliver presentations to upwards of 1500 adults & children per year. Connect with our volunteers to organize a presentation. Contact us at prevention@squamishsar.org
Our members respond 365 days a year. If you have the availability to contribute in an ongoing basis, please consider volunteering with us.
Given the sensitive nature of our work, our members cannot share real-time information about search and rescue operations. For media releases and requests contact the Squamish RCMP at (604) 892-6100.