Terrace Search and Rescue (TSAR) experienced a busy weekend on September 20–21, combining intensive training with a real-life emergency response.
Members from Bulkley Valley, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince George, and Juan de Fuca gathered in Terrace for an advanced tracking course. By the end of the weekend, two Terrace members earned their Tracker Certification, enhancing the team’s specialized skill set.
Tracking, also known as sign cutting, involves following subtle clues such as footprints, broken vegetation, or disturbed soil to locate missing persons. This technique is especially useful in wilderness areas where GPS signals may fail, communications are limited, or aerial searches are ineffective. Certified trackers help narrow search areas, reconstruct movements of lost or injured individuals, and improve the chances of a successful rescue.
As the course concluded, TSAR was called to assist a boater stranded in a log jam. The boater was wearing a life jacket and had an inReach satellite communicator and phone, allowing the team to respond quickly to the remote and challenging location.
The rescue was successful, and the boater was safely brought to safety. TSAR used the incident to remind the public about the importance of carrying proper safety gear. In a Facebook post, the team said, “The right gear can make all the difference in an emergency. Stay safe, stay prepared, and adventure smart.”
The weekend highlighted both the value of advanced training and the importance of preparedness in wilderness activities. TSAR emphasized that combining knowledge, teamwork, and proper equipment significantly increases safety and the likelihood of successful rescues in challenging conditions.
