About Us

A mountain search and rescue team based in Vancouver.

North Shore Rescue is a volunteer community-based search and rescue team providing a life‑saving service to the public, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team of volunteers is trained for operations in mountain, canyon, and urban terrain.

Who We Support

We provide search and rescue services to:

  • Emergency Management BC
  • RCMP and municipal police services
  • Municipal fire services
  • BC Ambulance Service
  • Other SAR teams in BC and Washington
  • Local and regional governments during civil emergencies

Our Mission

Our mission is to:

  • Search for, rescue, and assist people in distress
  • Lead public education to help prevent incidents
  • Assist other organizations with similar purposes
  • Support civil authorities during emergencies
  • Provide advice and expertise when called on

 

 

Each year, NSR responds to approximately 130 search and rescue operations, with some operations lasting multiple days. Members serve in different rescue and support roles depending on their skills and participation levels.

  • OUR SERVICES

    North Shore Rescue offers a variety of search and rescue services – the main ones being; mountain search and rescue; helicopter rescue; urban search and rescue; public education; and civil emergency response. There is no charge for the services of the team.

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  • NOT CHARGING FOR OUR SERVICES

    We do not support charging for rescues primarily due to the risk of a lost or injured person or their family/friends delaying a call for help.

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  • OUR HISTORY

    The team was established in 1965, making it one of the oldest SAR teams in Canada. During its history, NSR has often taken the lead in developing techniques and protocols for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

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