Nanaimo SAR responded to 45 call-outs last year, much fewer than a typical year. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

SAR update

Nanaimo SAR braces for busy period after slower than expected 2022

Mar 1, 2023 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — Following a slower than expected year with notably fewer call-outs, Nanaimo Search and Rescue isn’t sure what the expect in 2023.

During an overview of Nanaimo Search and Rescue’s year, president Carly Trobridge told the Tuesday, Feb. 28 Regional District of Nanaimo Board meeting their organization responded to 45 call-outs last year.

The last several years Nanaimo SAR has responded to in the range of 60 annual calls.

Trobridge said more awareness about hiker preparation could be playing a role among other factors.

“We’ve also seen an increase in people staying closer to home with inflation and fuel prices. All of these things could drive that drop in call volume.”

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In response to lower than typical call volumes last year, Nanaimo SAR substantially boosted its training exercises to 170, along with 85 community outreach visits.

Trobridge said they’re bracing for a busier period when conditions for many outdoor enthusiasts are more favourable.

“The telling time will come really into March and April, typically that’s when the snow is gone, especially from Mount Benson — we see call volumes increase astronomically typically in the spring.”

If call volumes for Nanaimo SAR are high in the spring, typically the remainder of the year will be steady as well, Trobridge told the RDN board.

She said Nanaimo SAR has purchased two new vehicles and a boat, all three of which are stored at the organization’s headquarters on Fourth St. which opened in 2021.

City of Parksville representative Sean Wood said he’s had discussions with Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns to lobby for boosting the tax rebate threshold for volunteer SAR and firefighters across Canada from $3,000 to $10,000.

“To make it a little bit easier for volunteer retention and a little bit easier on the pocket books because most of the people have other jobs as well,” Wood said.

Nanaimo SAR currently has 55 operational members, including volunteers with specialized rope rescue, swift water, avalanche response and First Aid capabilities.

Nanaimo SAR has been existence as a registered society since 1991.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes