Squamish Search and Rescue is poised for another record year, as the number of callouts hits the 100-call mark.
On Aug. 3, rescue manager B.J. Chute said crews hit that landmark over the weekend, virtually doubling the number of calls made this time of year in 2020 and 2019.
At the same time last year, the total number of calls was 63 and in 2019 it was at 55.
It’s a massive increase in calls, as 2020 itself was a record-breaking year with a grand total of 124, according to the most updated set of stats.
At this rate, there’s a very good chance that record will be set to tumble.
“I think we’re going to break the record by the end of the summer, if not into the fall,” Chute said.
And while the numbers have increased dramatically, he said that SAR has been able to keep up with the demand.
Last year, the rescue team welcomed several new members who’ve helped out with the uptick in calls, Chute said.
The other mitigating factor has been the pattern of incidents. Previously, many of the calls were concentrated on the weekends, but, this year, it seems to have been spread more evenly over the week.Rescuers will also be keeping an eye on how the upcoming border openings will be affecting the number of incidents in the Squamish area.
Canada plans to reopen its borders to vaccinated Americans for non-essential travel, starting Aug. 9.
“Historically, we haven’t seen — at least in the Squamish response area — we haven’t had a lot of out-of-country people that we’ve rescued in the past, so I would say it’s probably not going to have a significant impact on our response numbers,” said Chute.
“But only time’s going to tell where people choose to recreate when and if the border opens, as well with all the fires in the province, where people are going to choose [to go] as they cancel their vacation plans or alter their vacation plans.”
He added that search and rescue is a volunteer-run service that is free to everyone — including international visitors, who shouldn’t hesitate to call if they find themselves in trouble.
In the leadup to the 100th call, there were several of note.
One dramatic incident happened on Aug. 1. A climber took a serious fall at Area 44, by the Tantalus lookout, which forced rescuers to shut down Highway 99.
Chute said the fall didn’t occur while that person was climbing, but happened when he fell off a ledge at the base of a climbing route, causing him to tumble down a rock field anywhere between 80 to 100 metres.
“It’s not a free fall, but it’s quite a long way to tumble down,” Chute said.
Crews had to close the highway to stage rescue helicopter operations and wound up longlining the injured athlete back to safety. He was handed over to paramedics and then transported to hospital.
Chute said the climber’s injuries are significant, but he’s expected to recover.
The 100th call this year occurred on Aug. 2, after a mountain biker spilled over his handlebars in the Skyline Ridge area.
He hurt his back and head, and crews flew in to help, and wound up airlifting him to safety.
Chute said that adventurers must stay prepared, and the public can support their local search and rescue teams via donations.
People interested in supporting them can donate to Squamish SAR at squamishsar.org.
