By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
After seven months of “unwavering commitment and determination,” nine new recruits are set to join the active ranks of the Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) team.
The OOSAR said the accomplishment of the nine recruits marks the successful completion of the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) training – a rigorous journey that tested not only their knowledge and skills, but also their resilience and adaptability.
GSAR training is widely acknowledged as a demanding and comprehensive program, designed to equip volunteers with the skills necessary to safely and effectively conduct search and rescue operations in the most challenging environments.
The Oliver/Osoyoos area is known for its varied terrain – from desert and hillsides to lakes and rugged backcountry – making the role of GSAR volunteers vital to public safety.
The arrival of these nine new members “strengthens the team’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring that those who become lost, injured, or stranded have a greater chance of being found and brought to safety,” the OOSAR said.
“Oliver and Osoyoos residents can rest a little easier knowing that a new group of committed volunteers now stands ready to answer the call – no matter the hour, the weather, or the terrain.”
Stretcher training.
OOSAR photo
For this group of Oliver and Osoyoos residents, their dedication began seven months ago, as they embarked on a schedule filled with classroom instruction, practical exercises, and specialized skill-building sessions.
The capstone of their training was a weekend overnight survival exercise, where each candidate was required to rely solely on what they could carry in their backpack.
This final challenge meant navigating in the backcountry, building their own shelter, and spending a night exposed to the elements. “It was a true test of both their survival knowledge and their ability to maintain a calm, methodical approach under pressure,” OOSAR said..
“Everything we needed had to be on our backs,” explained one of the graduates. “That meant food, water, clothing, tools, and the know-how to build a shelter and stay safe overnight. It was the kind of experience that really brings the reality of search and rescue work into focus.”
The group’s successful completion of this challenge means they are ready to join OOSAR as active responders. Their new skills range from navigation and first aid, to search techniques and survival Strategies – each essential for the unpredictable and sometimes hazardous conditions that search and rescue operations demand.
“I am so proud of what this group has achieved,” said Mike Arychuk, OOSAR President and instructor. “Their perseverance through months of training and their performance in the field exercise have proven that they are ready to serve our community. These new members represent the next generation of search and rescue in our region.”
