Coquitlam Search and Rescue is recruiting!
We’re currently looking for up to 6 new members to join our team.
Search and Rescue requires dedication and a large time commitment. We’ve attempted to document the time and training requirements, and answer general questions about what it takes to be a member of our team on our membership page. The most important factor when trying to decide whether to join our team is the time commitment.
Coquitlam SAR responds to between 30 to 40 SAR incidents a year, ranging from lost hikers, children, elderly, people with dementia and developmental disabilities, injured people, boaters, 4×4 drivers, and mountain bikers among many other kinds of tasks. We cover an area of the province bounded by Indian Arm on the west, Pitt Lake on the east, the Fraser River to the south, and Garibaldi Park to the north. We respond to the communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby and New Westminster. We also respond to assist SAR teams throughout the province when additional resources are required.
Information Session
Prospective members are invited to attend an information session on Wednesday March 16th 2016 at 7 PM in Coquitlam City Hall Council Chambers.
At this session members of the team will present information on what it means to be a SAR volunteer and the time commitment involved. Attendees can meet members of Coquitlam SAR and ask questions. They will be given an opportunity to fill in an application form which ask questions about their general backcountry experiences. Individuals who cannot attend the information session can submit an application form at any time.
Applications will be accepted until March 31st, 2016
Evaluation Hike
Up to 20 individuals will be selected from the applications to participate in an evaluation hike on Saturday April 16th, 2016 at Buntzen Lake. Attendance at this session is mandatory if the prospective member wishes to continue.
The evaluation hike is an opportunity for members of Coquitlam SAR to meet potential recruits on a hike in terrain typical for rescues we do in this area. Team members will examine the recruit’s equipment, fitness and some navigational skills.
Interviews
After the evaluation hike, certain applicants will be invited to an interview over the next few weeks at an arranged time. The interview will be the final step in the process. All applicants will be contacted. 6 individuals will be selected to join the team, and will begin training soon thereafter. New members will be “Members In training” or MITs for the next year before becoming full members at the team’s next Annual General Meeting.