Warmer weather is upping the predicted need for search and rescue teams with the Juan de Fuca team tasked three times in the first week of June – twice in one day.
On Tuesday (June 3) afternoon, Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue (JDF SAR) was called to San Juan Ridge to assist in the search for two overdue individuals. Fortunately, just as the search crew's trucks hit the road, they received word that the subjects had been located safe and sound
But the day wasn’t over yet.
Less than an hour after returning home and unpacking gear, members were tasked again – this time to East Sooke Park where someone had sustained an upper body injury.
JDF SAR assisted BC Emergency Health Services in safely transporting the individual to a waiting ambulance.
The team was tasked again Saturday to a call near Brown’s Creek Main, outside of Port Renfrew.
This time, a mountain biker had become lost in dense brush. Crews were deployed and successfully located and guided the individual to safety.
The No. 1 reason for search and rescue callouts in B.C. is injuries, and BC Search and Rescue Association data shows most search and rescue calls involve local residents.
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.
BC Search and Rescue Association 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.
