Cindy Welsh is an elected member of the Squamish Search and Rescue Board of Directors taking the lead on complex or “special” projects and leading the efforts to secure grants for the Society. She is also an active member GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) member and can often be found leading the way when responding to calls.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN SSAR?
March of 2018.
Why did you join?
My husband and I met with close friends who were volunteering with SSAR. We became interested in joining because we were excited about volunteering with a genuinely good group of people and we thought we could make a meaningful contribution.
What’s your day job/what do you do other than ssar?
SSAR has become a central focus for me in retirement. I like to help out as needed on a variety of projects as well as by responding to the call outs. When I am not volunteering with SSAR, you can find me skiing, mountain biking, hiking, paddling and surfing.
What is(ARE) your current role(S) within ssar? Have you had a different role previously?
I am a member of the board of directors, leading larger and complex projects and I am an active GSAR member, responding to calls.
Approximately how many hours do you spend volunteering for SSAR?
485 hours in a year for training and responding to calls, and 400 hours for board duties and projects.
What’s the number one thing you’ve learned since you joined?
I have learned a tremendous amount about search and rescue, the community and the SSAR volunteers but the number one thing is the value of teamwork within SSAR.
What’s Your favourite season?
Winter! I love skiing… All different types of skiing.
Favourite Outdoor Activity?
Skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.
Favourite Trail/feature?
I enjoy Rob’s Corners and Cliff’s Corners. They are easy, flowy and the view is amazing! Super fun on a hot summer day.
what’s your favourite SSAR memory?
Going to my first SSAR call. The SSAR manager and the team members were so welcoming. It was incredible to see how the team worked together during a really challenging technical rescue. The difference that they made to the person that was rescued and their family, was pretty awe inspiring.
what three things do you always bring on an outdoor adventure?
Well, there are really 10 essentials… But if I have to pick three: emergency blanket, food and water. It is important to stay hydrated and warm if you find yourself in need of a rescue.
What’s the number one thing you want people to know about Search and rescue or outdoor preparedness?
I am going to give you three “number one” things!
- Please always tell someone where you are going and what your trip plan is. This is so basic and it really makes a big difference should you need a rescue.
- Please call 911 for help as soon as possible. Don’t second guess yourself about calling and delay the rescue. SSAR is free of charge and we will come and get you, however, a rescue is infinitely easier and faster if there is still daylight.
- When you give us your location, please stay put and don’t move.
Remember these three things, and get out there and have fun!
Our thanks to Cindy for her dedication to Squamish Search and Rescue!