As the weather warms and days get longer, B.C. search and rescue teams worry about residents checking out new terrain, not just lost visitors.
The No. 1 reason for search and rescue callouts in B.C. are injuries, and BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) data shows most search and rescue calls involve local residents.
While familiar trails and parks can seem safe, search teams are most often called out for injuries, followed by lost or disoriented individuals, and those misjudging their skills or the terrain.
Something as small as a whistle in your pocket could be a lifesaver, said Victoria Clarke, coordinator for Juan de Fuca SAR and a search manager.
Her organization is seeing a dip in calls while the Juan de Fuca Trail is closed due to storm damage, but she expects an uptick as the weather changes and people start going outdoors and discovering new places.
Planning and preparation are key.
“Sometimes in our excitement to get outside, it can be easy to just get the shoes on and head out the door without thinking. We really do encourage people to plan their activity,” Clarke said.
Between 2022 and 2024, 95 per cent of search and rescue cases in B.C. involved people enjoying the outdoors close to home.
Those aged 20 to 29 make up about 30 per cent of search subjects. Many are residents exploring nearby trails, locals visiting in their region, and others exploring just outside their home area.
Whether hiking, biking or fishing, Clarke suggests to check out where you’re going, track the weather forecast, let other people know the plan, trek with a buddy and be ready for things to take a turn.
“It doesn’t matter how well you prepare … accidents and mishaps can still happen. It’s just thinking through how you’re going to manage that situation,” Clarke said.
"If you do get into trouble, a 911 call is needed."
The No. 1 reason for search and rescue in B.C. is injury, particularly to the lower body, caused by slips, trips, and falls. It’s a reminder that even common activities on familiar terrain can quickly turn serious without proper preparation.
Take along the 10 essentials: flashlight, fire-making kit, signalling device such as whistle, extra food and water, extra clothing, navigation aids, first aid kit, emergency shelter, tools such as a pocket knife and sun protection.
“Some of those items could really make a difference and save your life if you get in trouble. And they really don’t take long to get together and put in a bag,” Clarke said.
Phones are incredible devices and super handy as cellular connectivity improves in less urban areas.
“But make sure your phone is charged when you go out and make sure you maybe have a battery pack,” she said.
“There have been multiple times where we’ve been out on a rescue, and we’ve been told they’re injured and they only have five per cent on their phone. That’s frustrating.”
BCSARA represents the 3,200 volunteers in B.C. who make up 78 teams across the province and respond to about 1,960 incidents each year. Teams across the province regularly promote safety by sending people to check out the myriad tips online at adventuresmart.ca. It offers checklists, a trip planning app and safety webinars.
“They’ve got excellent tips and really good information,” Clarke said.
