Search & Rescue on the Westcoast

The Westcoast Inland Search and Rescue (WISAR) Society is based in the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet and provides Ground and Inland Water Search and Rescue services to local police authorities (RCMP and National Park Wardens) for Clayoquot Sound, and parts of Barkley Sound. These lands comprise the traditional territories of the Ahousaht, Ucluelet, Toquaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, and Hesquiaht First Nations. In addition, the Society responds to mutual aid requests from other parts of the Province of British Columbia. The Society currently has 24 volunteer members.

Search and Rescue services are more important to the Clayoquot Sound Region due to the increased level of tourist and other activities in the region following its designation as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Westcoast Inland Search and Rescue (WISAR) is accepting applications for our 2012 recruitment drive. Search and Rescue volunteers fill a vital role within west coast communities. WISAR is searching for individuals with a variety of skills, ranging from outdoor experience, to administrative talents. Search and Rescue organizations within BC follow provincial training guidelines. All volunteers for Search and Rescue groups must successfully complete a Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) course. WISAR will be running an intensive Ground Search and Rescue course in January-March 2012. Course Description: The Ground Search and Rescue course is the entry level standard for ground and inland water search and rescue in the province of British Columbia. It presents an overview of SAR in BC and includes introductions to the stages of a search, navigational skills, survival skills, communications and search methods. The basics of rope rescue, tracking, helicopter safety and avalanche orientation are also introduced. The SAR100 course is intended for SAR volunteers who are committed members in training of a SAR team, and is taught in house at the SAR team level to new recruits.

• January 11, 2012 - March 25, 2012
• Every Wednesday Evening - 6-10pm
• Last weekend of every month (Jan / Feb / March) - 8am - 4pm

Course Location:

• Long Beach Golf Course
• WISAR Hall (Tofino)
• Outdoor locations TBA

Submit Application to:

• Email: wisar.training@gmail.com
• Or Mail: WISAR, P.O. Box 702, Ucluelet BC, V0R 3A0

• Successful candidates will be notified by December 22nd, 2011

Application:

• Download Application Course Information and Application Form
  All candidates must provide consent to obtain a criminal record check