Okanagan search and rescue crews in action

With Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) already involved in another rescue of snowmobilers, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) had to be mobilized to help RCMP in the Fintry area Tuesday night (Jan. 5).

Around 8 p.m., COSAR was requested by the RCMP to help locate a person in medical distress.

COSAR responded with 18 members while their search boat, the Sweatman, patrolled the shoreline.

Around midnight, ground crews located the individual and got them to a waiting ambulance.

The Fintry area would normally be served by VSAR, but they were already engaged in a search for a snowmobiler in the Mable Lake area, which they concluded successfully as well.

VSAR has been called out on three snowmobile rescues in the past 10 days, following a busy November and December. VSAR was called out 54 times in 2020.

This is the second callout of 2021 for COSAR, who had a record year in 2020 with 81 tasks.

SAR would like to remind backcountry users to check avalanche conditions, leave a Trip Plan, bring the Ten Essentials and come home safe from their outdoor adventures.

For more info, go to https://www.adventuresmart.ca/.