The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) is reminding everyone that at no time is anyone who is lost or injured in B.C.’s outdoors ever charged for the cost of the search or rescue when you call 911.
Ground search and rescue in British Columbia is done solely by volunteers. On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, these unpaid professionals provide their time, gear, dedication, and expertise to the people of B.C. and the subjects they rescue.
“We have produced No Charge For Rescue videos to clarify with the public that they should never hesitate to call 911 for help,” said Chris Kelly, President of BCSARA.
You can view the videos at: https://bcsara.com/no-charge-for-sar/
Over the years, stories regularly appear that speculate on whether or not those who get lost should be charged for the cost of the search to find them, or that you should purchase insurance to cover the cost. That has never been the case in B.C., but the rumours continue.
“Our biggest concern,” said Kelly, “Is that a hesitation to call for help because of this misunderstanding will result in either significant injury to the subject or worse.”
He noted that BCSARA has more than 3,000 volunteers (2,500 highly trained members along with over 500 members in training and resource members) across 79 ground search and rescue groups throughout the province.
Get informed before you go into B.C.’s outdoor areas.
Learn more by going to the BCSARA website at: https://bcsara.com/ and click on “Outdoor Education”
A wealth of outdoor education, recreation resources and lifesaving tools, such as the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App. “Know Before You Go” and follow the Three Ts: Trip Plan, Train and Take the Essentials can be found online with BC AdventureSmart at: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/
Learn more about the Barriere Search and Rescue group by going to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/barrieresar
If you would like more information about joining email: barrieresearchandrescue@gmail.com
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