No matter the season, the time of day, the weather conditions or the dangerous situation - Squamish Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers are always ready to jump in wherever needed.
On Sunday, Sept. 19, Squamish SAR holds its annual volunteer appreciation barbecue to acknowledge the innumerable selfless acts the members undertake every year.
Although the public hears about some of the more high profile rescue missions, SAR actually receives many more that go under the radar.
"We can almost guarantee, particularly when the weather is good, we'll have a call by the end of any weekend," said long time SAR manager John Howe. "We had five calls this year over August long weekend alone."
The abundance of outdoor recreation choices makes this area one of the most heavily used outdoor playgrounds in southwestern B.C., which in SAR speak translates into the high number of rescues.
Squamish SAR is responsible for the vast and treacherous region from south of Porteau Cove to the southern boundary of Whistler, including the entire watershed of the Mamquam, Cheakamus and Squamish rivers.
Made up entirely of volunteers, the community-based organization provides first responder assistance, including first aid, to the injured or lost within the region.
Over the years, members have saved hundreds of people from all types of hazardous incidents, and many of the rescued continue to feel gratitude and contribute financially years later.
As the go-to rescue team for locals and visitors who come to enjoy everything the outdoor mecca has to offer, Squamish SAR needs 40 to 60 members at any given time.
SAR manager Suzanne Kennedy said the organization doesn't have trouble attracting people from all walks of life.
"We have housewives, accountants, paramedics, teachers anyone with an interest in helping others is the type we're looking for," she said.
Challenges do arise, however, when it comes to holding onto people. So SAR managers have become more selective when choosing new members.
"Everyone wants to get involved, but after a year of calls at 2 a.m. the honeymoon period is over," said Howe.
Volunteers dedicate hundreds of hours to help new recruits attain the 80 hours of training needed for an entry-level position.
"The job is 24/7," said Howe. "Everyone has a pager and when it goes off, if they can come, they come."
And members need even more training to undertake specialized rescues such a Helicopter External Transportation System (HETS), also known as long line rescue.
Squamish has had eight HETS already this year, with two of those rescues done by other search and rescue teams due to lack of qualified Squamish members. The number of incidents where HETS is required are only increasing ever year.
Getting such a high level of training is not only time consuming, but also often involves a financial cost to volunteers, as Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) only covers rescue and training costs.
That doesn't take into account hotels and meals when training courses take place in other cities nor other costs such as cell phone minutes, mileage and wear and tear on personal gear.
Since Squamish SAR deals with more PEP-covered tasks than most groups on average, it's considered a well-funded group, but Howe said it's all relative.
So the group is always looking for ways to fundraise. Providing first aid response for big events like the Test of Metal and Gearjammer bike races is one way to fill the coffers, but that too presents challenges.
"But that's not an ideal situation at all because sometimes our resources are suddenly needed elsewhere," said Howe.
He said one perk for Squamish's group is its good relationship with the District of Squamish.
"They give us an office where we can keep and organize our equipment and they also provide our vehicle maintenance," said Howe.
Anyone interested in becoming a Squamish SAR volunteering can get more information on the group's tentative intake planned for January.
The organization is currently seeking individuals with ranger skills and logistic support skills. However one characteristic remains the most important of all, said Howe.
"The most important skill is commitment and availability."
Squamish SAR hosts a fundraiser barbecue Sunday, Sept. 19 at the Squamish Valley's Sun Wolf Lodge. The organization hopes the community turns out to show support.
