Our 2025 intake is now closed.

With over 90 applicants, we’ve had to and will continue to make some tough decisions on who continues to move through our process in hopes of joining the team and becoming a Member in Training in September of 2025. We’d like to thank all those that have taken the time to apply. Unfortunately, we’ve had to turn away a lot of good people. We hope that if ours is not the team for you this round, connect with one of the other teams on Vancouver Island and continue your passion for SAR. 

Our next application intake is scheduled for February to June of 2027 with Member’s in Training starting in September of 2027. If you are interested in being considered for the next intake, please read the information below and sign up to start receiving more info in 2027.

Search and Rescue volunteers are dedicated, well trained, determined and of course, fun. Being a member of Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue is an opportunity to contribute to your community, test your limits, get to know some interesting folks and learn valuable new skills, all in a beautiful natural setting. Volunteering is a meaningful exchange – you give us your time and effort and we’ll give you connections, knowledge, skills and memories that will last a lifetime.  Learn a bit more about us and if you think you’d be a good fit, drop us a line at the email below.

About Us:
We’re one of the busiest SAR teams on the south island. In 2024, we had roughly 50 call outs. We are ground searchers, salal surfers, first aiders, mountain bikers and UTV drivers. Our group can be described as community-minded, compassionate, highly trained, reliable and enduring. We also love fuzzy peaches!

• We have about 40 active team members from all walks of life.
• We practice twice per month, a Wednesday night and a Saturday – a minimum of 120 hours per year.
• Our specialty team members (including rope, swift water, tracking) commit to additional monthly training.
• We primarily serve the area between East Sooke up to Port Renfrew but participate in mutual aid calls supporting other island teams.

About You:
Consider why you’re interested in joining SAR. The photos are pretty exciting but they don’t capture the behind the scenes effort that goes into a successful SAR team. Are you a good fit?

• You can maintain active membership and respond to calls – our members contribute an average of 200 hours per year and sometimes, far more than that!
• Are you ready to commit to the regular training schedule? We meet on the first Wednesday of the month from 1900 to 2200H and the 2nd Saturday of the month from 0845 to 1600H.
• Emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Do you have a flexible schedule? Are you a night owl?
• Do you have a special talent? A whiz with social media? A master of the toolbox? Love to teach?
• We have some tough days. Do you have a support system? A resilient spirit?
• Does the idea of being covered in mud, tired, rained on and full of granola bars appeal to you?
• Do you have a good sense of humour, but also embrace professionalism and discretion?
• You love team work and have a collaborative spirit, while also valuing a leadership hierarchy?

Finding a good match:
We’re keen to ensure you’re a right fit for us and that we’re a right fit for you. We invest in a robust recruitment process so that candidates appreciate the level of commitment needed and so we can enhance our team with strong members. We get a large number of applications and plan to accept up to a maximum of 20.

• Intro to Search and Rescue is a free course, and a prerequisite for training. Show us you’re keen – your application will go to the top of the file if you include your certificate of completion.
• Take a hike with us – you may be invited to take a wander in the woods with us. Let’s get to know each other a bit before dive into interviews.
• Let’s chat some more – we’ll ask you some more questions via email and through an interview. We’re happy to answer your questions too!
• We’ll need to make sure you’re a nice person – candidates will be asked to submit their paperwork to the Criminal Records Review Program for a vulnerable sector check as well as reviewing the Provincial Safety Lifeline Volunteer Code of Conduct.

If You’re Chosen:
Let the training begin! The first few months are intense and your attendance is required. We provide the JIBC Ground Search and Rescue Certification Course (EMRG – 1700) that is required of all search and rescue personnel in BC. Typically, we try to run the course from September through February two evenings each week culminating in a weekend long survival scenario. Yes, you’ll be spending the night alone in wilderness in a shelter you’ve made yourself! Don’t worry, we’ll drop by with snacks.

If You Survive:
Once you have successfully completed your GSAR course and probationary period, approximately one year following your initial training, you will become a Member in Good Standing. You’ll be eligible for all the perks and privileges available to team members in return for running out on family dinners, hiking in the dark and being very tired the day after a late night call. Some of those perks include specialty courses related to search and rescue, such as rope rescue, swiftwater, tracking, UTV and Mountain E-bike. You will also have access to team kit and equipment and pro-deals.

Drop us a line:
If you wish to become a member, please start by filling out this form. Thank you for your interest in joining the team.