Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to wilderness search and rescue in the Coquitlam area of British Columbia, Canada. Its service area includes the communities of Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.[1] [2] [3]
Coquitlam Search and Rescue responds to an average of 35 tasks per year.[4] In 2017, the organization received 54 calls for help, which was more than any previous year in its history.[5]
The all-volunteer team is made up of highly skilled hikers, mountaineers and back country skiers, some of whom dedicate more than 500 hours per year and often conduct rescues at night, in bad weather, and on short notice. The team trains together every Tuesday night. Volunteers also attend special courses, devote time to education and fundraising, and pay for their own personal equipment and clothing.