50 +

Volunteer Members

60 +

Tasks per Year

24 / 7 / 365

On-Call Availability

Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) has provided search and rescue services to the North Okanagan region of British Columbia’s interior since 1960.  The North Okanagan Region roughly covers 7500 square kilometers, including lakes, alpine, rivers, valleys, and various other terrains.  We train in all these different areas to safely operate in all the challenging environments that surround North Okanagan.   

VSAR currently has approximately 60 members and volunteers over 6,000 person-hours per year with tasks, administration, and training.  VSAR is considered one of the “anchor” units in the Province of BC and has a full suite of search and rescue capabilities.  Our task volume is 60 – 80 call outs per year.  VSAR is also regularly requested to assist other SAR units in the province.

VSAR capabilities include snowmobile, rope, boat, swift water, ice, ground search, off-road vehicle, mountain bike, and helicopter rescues.