Nelson Search and Rescue (SAR) is hosting a large inter-regional SAR exercise at Kokanee Creek Park this weekend for the first time in years.

This will be the first SAREX since before the COVID-19 pandemic: the last time it was held at Kokanee Creek Park was in 2014.

SAREX 2023 will have over 100 SAR members from all over the southeast and central regions of BC. The annual event rotates locations between the east and west Kootenays each year.

Scott Spencer, treasurer of Nelson SAR says, “it’s important for search and rescue teams across the region to share ideas.” The purpose of SAREX is to learn new techniques and check out different equipment to figure out how to respond better to tasks.

The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) recently shared their first ever Year in Review report for 2022. In 2022, SAR groups across BC spent a total of 441,026 hours in service, rescued 1,758 people and recovered 94 bodies.

At SAREX 2023, members will take part in several training exercises including swift water rescue, rope rescue, tracking, helicopter hover exit, medical and survival. The public is invited to watch the training on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spencer joined CJLY to discuss the event. Listen to the story below: