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Search and rescue calls climb as more people get outdoors

Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue respond to 25 calls so far this year; a dramatic increase in one year
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A Canadian Forces search and rescue helicopter in the air near the Juan de Fuca Trail. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

During the first six months of the year, search and rescue calls in the Sooke Region increased sharply compared to the same period last year, according to Juan de Fuca Ground Search and Rescue.

The local search and rescue team responded to 25 calls up to the end of June, a steep increase from 2019 when crews answered 30 calls for the entire year.

ALSO READ: B.C. search and rescue groups responded to 700 calls in first half of 2020

Search and rescue groups on the ground have responded to more than 700 calls across B.C. since January.

“We believe a contributing factor is COVID-19. However, we believe that in general (without COVID19), our numbers would be up,” said Vickie Weber, senior search and rescue manager for Juan de Fuca Ground Search and Rescue.

But while search and rescue operations are up across the province, so is funding.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said the province has committed $6 million to 79 search and rescue groups every year beginning in 2022.

The funding is in addition to the $10 million B.C. provides each year for search-related operational costs.

“Search and rescue volunteers take a risk every time they go out to rescue someone, and that risk is heightened due to COVID-19,” Farnworth said.

“I’m calling on all British Columbians to be safe and to make sure your family, friends, and neighbours are being safe so that we can reduce the risks for everyone.”



editor@sookenewsmirror.com

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Kevin Laird

About the Author: Kevin Laird

It's my passion to contribute to the well-being of the community by connecting people through the power of reliable news and storytelling.
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