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Out on the trail, working together as one team. 💪🌲
Arrowsmith Search & Rescue members train hard so we’re ready when every second counts. From patient care to technical rigging, these scenarios build the skills and trust needed for real-world rescues. 🚑🧗♂️
Proud of our volunteers who show up, suit up, and give back to their community—day or night. ❤️🔥
#ArrowsmithSAR #SearchAndRescue #SARTraining #BCSAR #VolunteerSAR #InTheWoods #ReadyToRespond #OnTheGround #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #CommunityStrong #RescueReady #VancouverIsland #EmergencyResponse #TrailSafety #SARLife
3 days ago
40 years with SAR it still amazes me how much gear we have to carry on rescue...We just never know what will unfold
Thanks to each and every one of you!
Out on the trail, working together as one team. 💪🌲
Arrowsmith Search & Rescue members train hard so we’re ready when every second counts. From patient care to technical rigging, these scenarios build the skills and trust needed for real-world rescues. 🚑🧗♂️
Proud of our volunteers who show up, suit up, and give back to their community—day or night. ❤️🔥
#ArrowsmithSAR #SearchAndRescue #SARTraining #BCSAR #VolunteerSAR #InTheWoods #ReadyToRespond #OnTheGround #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #CommunityStrong #RescueReady #VancouverIsland #EmergencyResponse #TrailSafety #SARLife ... See MoreSee Less
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40 years with SAR it still amazes me how much gear we have to carry on rescue...We just never know what will unfold
Thanks to each and every one of you!
Arrowsmith SAR sincerely appreciates the support shown by Councillor Sean Wood and our community. We take pride in assisting regional agencies, but the demands of this volunteer work come with real costs. Each year our volunteers must spend a great deal of time fundraising and writing grants; time that should be spent training and upgrading equipment. Councillor Sean Wood has been working hard with members of the RDN Board to ensure Arrowsmith SAR can continue to provide excellent service into the future. With this proposal, we have an opportunity to secure sustainable funding that will be reinvested directly into our community and strengthen our ability to help those in need.Our Arrowsmith Search And Rescue volunteers handled the 3rd highest calls in the province this year, assisting with evacuations for both the Wesley Ridge and Mount Underwood fires this year, and helping find missing persons coming in at all hours of the day and night.
There will be a motion for the Regional District of Nanaimo board to consider:
a) helping to fund the deficit in Arrowsmith Search And Rescue's budget this year
b) increase the RDN's support from $30k/year to $100k/year
c) ask the RDN Chair to write a letter to the province asking to better fund Search & Rescue teams across B.C.
Respectful emails on an issue can help board directors better understand the impact that our local Search & Rescue volunteers have in helping our community.
If you have thoughts about helping fund our local Arrowsmith Search & Rescue volunteers, consider sharing them with the RDN Board via email:
rdnboard@rdn.bc.ca
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story from PQB News:
Arrowsmith Search and Rescue seeks funding to address $160,000 deficit
Published 5:35 am Saturday, November 22, 2025
By Michael Briones
Arrowsmith Search and Rescue need funds to keep their operation going and continue to provide a high level of service to the region.
Arrowsmith Search and Rescue is facing a $160,000 deficit in its budget and has sought help from the Regional District of Nanaimo. In order to continue operating at high level, they need to cover this gap, said ASAR president Nick Rivers, who appeared as a delegation at the RDN regular board meeting on Nov. 18.
The ASAR and the RDN has a funding agreement in place set to expire next year.
ASAR Rivers and Ken Neden, ASAR search manager, requested the RDN board increase their funding to help cover the deficit. Last year, the ASAR was the third-busiest team in British Columbia and recorded the highest training hours of any team in the province.
Rivers said they are getting busier each year. Rivers indicated the ASAR is a non-profit group that depends on donations as well as grants from provincial and local governments. To ensure ASA continues to provide the vital services needed in the community, Rivers said, they are starting an endowment fund, which will help them not to be fully dependent on outside funding sources.
The ASAR, Rivers explained, was bequeathed a property by former RDN director Jack McLean in the Coombs area. They now plan to sell the property and the money will go towards establishing the endowment fund through the Parksville Qualicum Beach Foundation, providing them a five per cent annual return on their investment “One of the ways we can help support these annual ongoing costs is to try to grow this endowment as big as we can so that we have this known five per cent income to try to offset it,” said Rivers. “The goal and pathway from now to there is unknown and we’re unsure how we’re going to continue funding operations to get there, which is part of why we’re here today.”
While the endowment fund grows, Rivers said, in the meantime, they will need financial help to keep their operation going and serving the community. They are seeking $160,000 funding from the RDN. “We understand that is a large ask of increase from where we are now,” Rivers explained. “Ultimately, we do need to come up with that overall number.”
Rivers said there is uncertainty of whether their gaming grant will come through as they were told information will only be expected before Dec. 31.
Parksville director Sean Wood made a motion that the board direct staff to provide a report on the property tax implications of increasing the annual contribution to Arrowsmith Search and Rescue from $30,000 to $80,000 and to provide up to $160,000 in one-time funding to address the ASAR’s current operational shortfall.
As well, Wood said, ASAR’s endowment fund, once it is up and going, may help offset the ASAR’s future funding needs. Wood pointed out the financial difficulties faced by search and rescue operations due to lack of secure funding from the province which local governments have been requesting for through the Union of BC Municipalities in the last 15 years.
“During the Wesley Ridge fire this summer, they provided exceptional support to this regional district,” said Wood, who stated there’s still no secure funding for SARs established by the B.C. government, despite acknowledging the crucial services they provide.
“SAR groups rely on short-term, unpredictable grants that prevent long-term planning even as call volumes, training needs and equipment costs continue rise,” Wood said. He added before the RDN can make a commitment, he would like to see a report done and perhaps find some money to help the ASAR.
The RDN board unanimously passed Wood’s motion. ... See MoreSee Less
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Just ask Eby for the money and say it’s for drugs!
GIVING TUESDAY 🤝❤️
Giving Tuesday is the world’s largest generosity movement — a day dedicated to giving back to the charities and non-profit organizations that strengthen our communities.
Arrowsmith Search & Rescue is built on volunteer commitment, countless training hours, and the unwavering support of the Oceanside community. Your generosity directly supports our Ground Search, Rope Rescue, Swiftwater, Drone operations, rescue gear, and the essential training that keeps our team ready 24/7.
On December 2, 2025, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact.
Every donation, big or small, helps us continue serving those who need us most.
🔗 Donate at: www.arrowsmithsar.ca/donate/
Thank you for standing with your local Search & Rescue team. 💛
#GivingTuesday #ArrowsmithSAR #SearchAndRescue #CommunitySupport #OceansideBC #VolunteerPowered #GiveBack #NonProfitSupport #SAR #BCSAR #SupportLocal #ImpactMatters ... See MoreSee Less
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Fresh tracks. Cold air. Clear minds. ❄️🌲
Winter terrain demands preparation, awareness, and respect — and days like this remind us why it matters.
Whether you’re snowshoeing, skiing, or hiking into the backcountry, remember:
✔️ Check avalanche conditions
✔️ Pack the essentials
✔️ Plan your route and tell someone
✔️ Travel with partners
✔️ Know your limits
✔️ Carry proper gear — and know how to use it
Our team trains for these conditions so we can respond when things don’t go as planned. Stay safe out there, enjoy the beauty, and #arrowsmithsarl#SearchAndRescuem#AdventureSmartn#backcountrysafetyS#VancouverIslandy#WinterSafetyu#sarvolunteerst#staysafeouttheren#snowshoeinga#explorebc #bcparkse#KnowBeforeYouGoB#BePreparedwBeforeYouGo #BePrepared ... See MoreSee Less
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I think one of the key points here is knowing your limits. On more than one occasion I have turned around on a hike because either I knew I would not complete the hike, or the weather was turning bad. Too many hikers fail to cover all these points, and make it difficult for rescuers to find them after they get hurt or lost.
🚁 Eyes in the Sky, Safety on the Ground 🌲
Drones are becoming a powerful tool in Search and Rescue—helping us cover more terrain, faster and safer than ever before.
Here’s how drones support our missions:
👀 Rapid aerial visibility in hard-to-reach areas
🗺️ Mapping and heat detection to assist in locating subjects
⚠️ Reducing risk for ground teams in hazardous terrain
⏱️ Faster decision-making during time-critical rescues
While drones don’t replace boots on the ground, they enhance how we search—giving our team another way to bring the lost and #arrowsmithsara#SearchAndRescuem#dronerescuec#UAVSupport##BCSARe#RescueReadyp#aerialsearche#technologyinsarl#volunteerdriveng#backcountrysafetyr#sarstrongc#VancouverIslandRStrong #VancouverIsland ... See MoreSee Less
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When the terrain gets tight and technical, our rope teams get to work. 🧗♂️🔗
Safe anchors, solid systems, and practiced hands—every setup is built with intention to keep our team and subjects secure.
Arrowsmith Search & Rescue trains year-round so when the call comes, we’re ready for whatever the mountain throws our way. 🌄🚑
Stay prepared. Stay informed. Stay safe out there.
#ArrowsmithSAR #SearchAndRescue #RopeRescue #TechnicalRescue #SARVolunteers #ReadyForTheCall #VancouverIsland #TrainToRespond #StaySafeBC #GroundSearchAndRescue ... See MoreSee Less
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🧭 Adventure Tips at a Glance 🌲✨
Headed outdoors? Keep these quick reminders in your back pocket:
✅ Tell someone your plan — where you’re going + when you’ll be back
✅ Pack a light — it gets dark faster than you think 🔦
✅ Bring extra layers — weather changes quickly 🧥
✅ Carry the essentials — food, water, first aid, and a map 🎒
✅ Know your limits — turn back if conditions change 👣
Small steps = safer adventures. For more tips check out @bcadvsmart
Enjoy #arrowsmithsara#AdventureTipse#SearchAndRescueo#AdventureSmartn#RescueReadya#backcountrysafetyn#PlanAhead##ExploreResponsiblyu#VancouverIslandA#sarstrongo#StaySafeOutdoorsncouverIsland #SARStrong #StaySafeOutdoors ... See MoreSee Less
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We approve these messages! All sound AdventureSmart to us, great post!
... See MoreSee Less
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TAKE PART ON DECEMBER 2, 2025 Thanks to the Oceanside Community for the tremendous support!! If you would like to make a donation for a 2025 tax receipt, Giving Tuesday is December 2nd. Donations go towards ground search, rope, swiftwater, rescue gear, drone equipment, and essential training that are vital for rescue success! www.arrowsmithsar.ca/donate/ 1050 Ravensbourne Lane Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1N1 250-752-7774 SAVE THE DATE AND DONATE
🌙 Darker Evenings Are Here ❄️
As we move deeper into the season, the daylight fades faster, temperatures drop quickly, and visibility becomes a real challenge in the backcountry.
Before heading out, remember to:
🔦 Carry a reliable flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries!)
🕓 Plan around the shorter daylight hours
🧭 Know your route and stick to marked trails
🧥 Pack layers—even mild days can turn cold fast
📱 Don’t rely on cell service for navigation or emergencies
Our volunteers are ready 24/7 🚨, but staying prepared helps keep you safe—and helps us bring you home.
Stay aware, stay prepared, and stay sa#arrowsmithsar🌲#SearchAndRescueR#darkerdaysR#eveningsafetya#AdventureSmartt#backcountrysafety##VancouverIslandy#sarstrongr#RescueReadyt#PlanAheadu#ExploreResponsiblyExploreResponsibly ... See MoreSee Less
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Nice command vehicle!
Always a delight to meet SAR members from another region. ... See MoreSee Less
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🌲 3 Safety Tips for Hiking 🌲
Before you head out on your next adventure, make sure you’re setting yourself up for a safe and enjoyable day on the trails!
✔️ Check the weather — Conditions can change fast in the mountains. Always know what you’re walking into.
✔️ Stay on marked trails — It protects you and the environment.
✔️ Know the trail map — Familiarize yourself with your route before you start. Preparation saves lives.
At Arrowsmith Search & Rescue, we want everyone to explore our beautiful backyard safely. A little planning goes a long way. 💚
Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the outdoors! 🥾🌄
#ArrowsmithSAR #SearchAndRescue #HikingSafety #VancouverIsland #AdventureSmart #OutdoorSafety #HikeBC #StayPrepared #ExploreResponsibly #BCSAR ... See MoreSee Less
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Sounds AdventureSmart to us! Here’s our resources to check out and share. 👍🏼 Provincial; bcsara.com/outdoor-education/ National; www.adventuresmart.ca/
💪 Ready in all terrain. 💪
From rocky logging roads to steep mountain trails, Arrowsmith Search & Rescue is equipped and prepared to respond wherever we’re needed. Our UTV helps us safely transport members, equipment, and those in need — even in the toughest conditions.
When every call counts, so does readiness. 🚨
#ArrowsmithSAR #SearchAndRescue #RescueReady #CommunityStrong #SARVolunteers #GroundSearchAndRescue #AllTerrain #TeamworkInAction #Parksville #QualicumBeach #VolunteerHeroes #AdventureSafety ... See MoreSee Less
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