Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue is celebrating the groundbreaking of their new three-bay truck and trailer station on Cessna Street in Oliver. From left are Jakob Keller (president), Kyle Fossett, Mike Arychuk with search dog Kaya, and Brenda Arychuk. The energy-efficient building is scheduled for completion in July. (Photo by Lyonel Doherty)

Lyonel Doherty

Aberdeen Publishing

For everyone’s safety, Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) urges people not to go traipsing into the back country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Arychuk, who was the search manager during a recent call, said people have to be aware of avalanche conditions this time of year.

Thankfully, the recent call to rescue two stranded snowmobilers on Baldy Mountain was not an avalanche situation.

“In the back country, especially on the north bowl of Baldy, there is always potential of avalanche,” Arychuk said.

And what makes it more difficult is the fact Avalanche Canada stopped doing assessments on March 30 (due to the pandemic). In this case, members were conducting their search for the snowmobilers without knowing what the conditions were.

• Read more: Two Osoyoos men rescued after spending night on Baldy Mountain

Therefore, the BC Search and Rescue Association is discouraging anyone from venturing into the wilderness at this time, particularly during the pandemic.

Arychuk said teams must stay away from avalanche areas until a proper assessment is done in daylight hours.

In the dark hours, teams cover all of the areas that somebody might walk out of in the high country.

In the recent search, snowmobile teams were going 10-plus kilometres in different directions to see if they could spot anyone walking out.

Arychuk said they don’t know if the people they are searching for have any survival gear or where they are.

“It was minus 10 that night, so if you weren’t prepared, it could be a very, very cold night.”

The two men from Osoyoos were located the next morning with the help of a helicopter. Fortunately, all they suffered was the shivers.

“They were in good health, a little bit cold and a little bit lonely but we were thankful they were safe, and very thankful they weren’t caught in an avalanche.”

Arychuk said the risk to members that night was basically in the operation of the snowmobiles in the dark. They had some snow and fog that night and had to be wary of tree branches and embankments.

“We make sure there is always two sleds and two people together in case somebody gets into problems. It’s all about mitigating risk and keeping members safe.”

The moral of the story is keeping everyone safe by encouraging people to avoid outback excursions at this time.

“Play closer to home is our big message to people, Arychuk said.

In other news, the Oliver-Osoyoos team is excited about the construction of their new three-bay truck and trailer station on Cessna Street. Crews are busy this week building the forms and foundation.

• Read more: Osoyoos Rotary gives to OOSAR

The big benefit of the new facility will be a significant improvement in response times. For example, the team could have deployed their sleds an hour and a half sooner to look for the two snowmobilers, Arychuk said.

Team members had to maintain social distancing while getting the sleds ready in the dark. And during a rescue amidst the pandemic, there is always the risk of transmission, he pointed out.

“Staying consistent with our province’s top doctor, stay home, play safe and don’t give it (the virus) to somebody else.”

During these rescues, members must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including face mask and gloves.

Arychuk said one primary first responder would deal with the patient while other members keep their distance.

Jakob Keller, president of OOSAR, said their new building (constructed by local contractors) will be very energy efficient with a high insulation value.

“It’s going to be almost a net zero building with solar,” he pointed out.

Keller said they hope to have the building completed by July.