Rescue calls increase dramatically in the Okanagan during pandemic – Okanagan

When pandemic restrictions hit the Okanagan, extra folks started exploring the outside and generally moving into hassle.

Search and Rescue groups throughout the area have seen a serious improve in name volumes within the final two years and this yr is predicted to comply with go well with.

“Traditionally we’ve been averaging 50 to 60 (calls) a yr, final yr we had 105,” stated Edward Henczel, Central Okanagan SAR supervisor.

The primary yr of the pandemic noticed 89 rescue calls within the Central Okanagan.

“This yr, midway by the season we’re at 51, so I feel we’re on par to tie final yr’s file. I feel extra persons are going open air, plain and easy,” stated Henczel.

In Vernon, the extreme wildfire season paired with the pandemic made 2021 a record-breaking yr with Vernon Search and Rescue coping with slightly below 100 calls.

“The decision quantity throughout the province elevated after the pandemic hit,” stated Coralie Nairn, Vernon SAR senior search supervisor.

“Folks in isolation are restricted from going to the gymnasium and different actions that they have been used to doing particularly in City environments. What higher method to bodily distance than benefit from the open air.”

Whether or not you’re a brand new adventurer, or an skilled one, the primary message from search and rescue groups is to be ready for something.

“Journey planning, let folks know the place you’re going, the ten necessities, so every part from communications to further meals and water after which coaching. Know use your tools. We do have a good variety of folks that exit into the woods with all of the tools and however don’t know use a GPS, no concept use a map or a compass,” stated Henczel.

“At the least 4 occasions this yr, we’ve needed to haul folks out of the woods due to that inexperience.”

The commonest space COSAR has been known as out to this yr has been the Kettle Valley Railway, and Henczel says most rescues have been for vacationers.

Vernon Search and Rescue responded to extra calls within the Monashee’s. Nonetheless, throughout the area, one of many deadliest locations is Okanagan Lake.

“Okanagan Lake is seemingly the deadliest lake in British Columbia, averaging about six drownings a yr, we’ve had a pair already. I feel the fireplace division and police responded to a few as effectively,” stated Henczel.

Each COSAR and Vernon Search and Rescue are on monitor to hit greater than common name numbers, particularly when snowmobile season will get underway.

VSAR says final yr from August to December the workforce responded to shut to 40 calls with numbers selecting up nearer to the winter months.