Membership

Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue is not actively recruiting at this time. Our last recruitment finished in September of 2022.

The team is not currently recruiting new members. However, we hope the information about what we usually look for in a SAR volunteer is useful.

The team goes through a recruitment cycle every 2-3 years. When that happens, we advertise in the local newspaper, on social media and on this page.

Who are we looking for?

  • An accomplished and active outdoor enthusiast who enjoys working with people and maintains a reasonable fitness level.
  • No prior SAR experience is needed but we do look for enthusiasm, ability to work as a team player, and a minimum hiking experience.
  • First-aid skills to a Basic First-Aid level (St John’s Ambulance Basic First Aid), or equivalent are desired, but not mandatory; any other backcountry skills will be an asset. You will own the minimum essential equipment for safe hiking and backcountry travel, and know its proper use.

If you’ve ever been lost and required rescue, we won’t hold that against you (just kidding).

How do I apply? 

  1. Attend an evening information session and open house on September 6, 2022 at 7:00pm at our SAR hall, 1975 Field Rd, Sechelt, V7Z 0A8.
  2. Prospective members must submit a written application by September 9. Fill in the membership application form adding details about your volunteer experience, relevant training and qualifications, and send it to us via email or drop it off at the information session and open house.

    We encourage people who are considering applying for membership to take this free, online introductory SAR course developed in cooperation with the BC Search and Rescue Association, the Justice Institute of BC and the RCMP. This is optional, but it will give you some idea about how SAR works in BC.

  3. Applicants who make it through the first screening, will be invited to an evaluation hike on September 10 in the Sprockids/Mt. Elphinstone area. This moderate hike will take place in terrain typical of searches in this area.. We will look at your level of fitness, outdoors knowledge, attitude, proper gear, and other factors.
  4. Following the hike, chosen applicants will be sent an interview appointment via email to attend a thirty-minute interview with our recruitment committee. Selection of new members is made as quickly as possible after the interviews, and all those interviewed are informed of the results. If you are not selected we will let you know why.
  5. Successful candidates begin training in early October and will be eligible to become full members once all training requirements have been completed in at least a year.
Helicopter hover entry and exit training session.

What is involved in training?

If you are accepted to the team, you will become a member-in-training (MIT) for a minimum of one year before becoming a full member. MITs complete the 80-hour Ground Search and Rescue course (GSAR) with the team over their first six months, then become a member on probation for six months where they can participate in active call outs. The first six months of MIT training involves even more of a time commitment. MITs are expected to maintain an 80% attendance rate during this time.

SAR Swiftwater Team training exercise.
Command Centre team.

When must I be available for callouts? 

Sunshine Coast SAR members must be available for searches, rescues, and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

We also take part in committees, fund-raising, equipment maintenance, and the day-to-day running of a team of volunteers.

How many hours must I commit to SAR?

The most important thing when considering whether or not to volunteer is to evaluate the time commitment. If you will be unable to meet these minimum requirements, please do not apply.

  • Sunshine Coast SAR members dedicate an average of 200 hours a year to the team including training and preparedness, active search and rescue activities and committee work. 
  • You must be available, at a minimum, to attend training every Tuesday evening (3 hours average) and one or two weekend days a month (6-8 hours average). 
  • Members in Training (MITs) must attend 100% of the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) course (80 hr. total), and a minimum of 50% attendance at team training and searches thereafter.
  • In addition to regular training, there are various SAR courses offered by the Justice Institute of BC, and other providers, some financed by Emergency Management BC, and others paid for by the team’s own fundraising. These are usually 24 hours (three to four consecutive days). You are also expected to maintain your first aid certifications.
  • Members are also expected to take part in community education events, team management through committee work, and team fundraising.