During their down time in the summer months, the Golden and District Search and Rescue has been focusing on their training, while still helping out some people in need.
GADSAR was called out on three missions in June and July.
They were called out to assist the Golden Fire Department, RCMP, and BC Ambulance Service in locating a group of stranded rafters.
Their raft had malfunctioned, and they were stranded along the Columbia River.
“They made it to shore, and we were out on the river trying to find them,” said Ben Tanasichuk, GADSAR’s information officer.
They deployed two kayaks and a jet boat. All members of the group were found safe.
On July 15 GADSAR was asked to assist the RCMP in a search for a missing person. The RCMP conducted the urban search, within the town borders, while GADSAR searched the trails around the edges of town.
The person was located safely.
Search and rescue was also involved in assisting an injured male climber on July 22. He was stuck 50 kilometres southwest of Golden.
He was rescued via helicopter, and transferred to the BC Ambulance Service for further care.
“It’s been pretty quiet, and that’s how it usually works out. Our winters are pretty busy,” said Tanasichuk.
In the meantime, GADSAR has been conducting some training, including an upcoming four-day mountain rescue training session, which better prepares them for high angle mountain rescues.
Although they are done with new member intake right now, GADSAR will be looking for some new people in the fall when they have a round of entry level training sessions set up.
A few months back the group received a donation from Golden Concrete. The money went towards a new iPad, which allows them to bring their maps and other information along with them while out on missions.
“That’s really awesome, it’s going to help a lot with what we do,” said Tanasichuk.
To learn more about GADSAR, or to look at the availability of the conference room they have for rent, go to https://golden.vr-sar.org.
