Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue Society

The Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue Society (OOSAR) is a Canadian nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to providing ground search and rescue services in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia. Registered under the business number 814493078RR0001, OOSAR operates primarily with a team of about 30 highly skilled volunteers who perform search and rescue missions across a vast and diverse geographical area.

Mission and Scope

OOSAR’s mission focuses on saving lives by conducting efficient and effective ground search and rescue operations. The team is trained to respond to a variety of emergencies, including wilderness rescue, swiftwater rescue, winter response, and high-angle rope rescues. Their expertise also extends to specialized fields such as Search and Rescue K9 operations and rope rescue techniques.

Volunteer Structure and Training

As a 100% volunteer organization, OOSAR relies on community members who commit substantial time and effort to training and missions. New members are required to complete basic Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) training within their first year, which covers wilderness survival skills, mapping, compass and GPS tracking. The volunteers are also trained in various emergency protocols to sustain independent SAR operations for at least 24 hours under varying conditions.

Operations and Community Role

OOSAR works under the authority of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in their jurisdiction, assisting with search and rescue activities whenever activated. Besides search operations, the society supports emergency and disaster responses including evacuations if required.

Together with other local teams in Keremeos, Penticton, and Princeton, OOSAR participates in the South Okanagan Similkameen Search and Rescue Committee, a cooperative body that coordinates regional SAR efforts, training, and resource management to enhance the effectiveness of emergency responses.

Equipment and Capabilities

The team’s operations encompass a wide array of activities:

• Ground Search & Rescue (including wilderness survival and tracking)
• Communications across VHF, UHF, satellite, cellular, and amateur radio bands
• High Angle and Embankment Rope Rescue
• Avalanche Awareness and Rescue
• Swift Water Rescue
• Helicopter hover entry and exit techniques
• Emergency medical assistance ranging from first responders to paramedics
• Incident and search management and police evidence support

Public Service and Engagement

OOSAR provides its rescue services free of charge to the public. They encourage individuals venturing outdoors to prepare adequately and call 911 immediately if in distress, advising them to remain in place until found. The society also actively promotes community involvement and education about outdoor safety, inviting volunteers interested in developing search and rescue skills and contributing to public safety.

The Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue Society remains a vital part of the South Okanagan’s emergency response framework, combining skilled volunteerism with professional training to safeguard residents and visitors in this rugged region[1][2][4][5].