11..that’s how many tasks Quesnel Search and Rescue (QSAR) has responded to so far this year.
SAR Manager, Director, Bob Holowenko said in the winter months they were primarily active on searches both locally and as mutual aid.
“Since Spring we’ve seen a number of stranded motorists calls so this includes Highway vehicles and off-highway vehicles either from recreation or from industry.” Holowenko said, “We’re use to seeing that kind of activity in the shoulder seasons when people go out and there’s still snow or maybe mud when roads are not as hard packed as they would expect.”
Holowenko noted it’s also shaping up to be a busy year for Quesnel Search and Rescue’s Swift Water Rescue team.
“They have already responded to 2 calls for persons in the river, in the Fraser in particular. As well as a number of tasks that require us to respond in the hot zone, that means immediately adjacent to a moving body of water.”
He added that water levels in all of our area rivers, basins, and their tributaries are high right now as mountain run off season continues.
“We would urge those who are recreating on, or near, the water to have appropriate Personal Floatation Devices and observe caution before entering any moving water,” Holowenko said.
Anyone interested in joining the Quesnel Search and Rescue team applications are always being accepted via their website and you can also visit their booth at the Canada Day celebration in LeBourdais Park.
QSAR currently has 33 active members.
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