COSAR members walking towards a helicopter.
Image Credit: Central Okanagan Search and Rescue
January 02, 2025 - 4:00 PM
Central Okanagan Search and Rescue had a busy year in 2024 with dozens of rescues and thousands of volunteer hours.
COSAR members volunteered a total of 17,931 hours, including 3,821 hours on rescue tasks, 6,875 hours at community events and 7,235 hours spent training, according to a press release.
Members went on 91 calls including 10 lake rescues, 15 dementia related searches, 13 snow rescues, seven mutual aid tasks and 21 tasks involving the dog team.
Search manager Duane Tresnich said calling search and rescue early-on when something happens helps keep people safe.
“For cases involving dementia, autism, or despondency, the sooner we get involved, the better the outcome. Remember, we don’t charge for rescues, and we’re available 24/7, year-round,” he said in the release.
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COSAR’s biggest and most complex operation was an eight-day search for Alan Francescutti, 79, who went missing around Dee Lake. Search and rescue teams from the Southern Interior, West Kootenays, used dog teams, ATVs, UTVs, drones, kayaks, and an RCMP helicopter in the search.
There were no calls for COSAR to issue fire or flood related evacuation alerts or orders for the first time since 2020.
RCMP called COSAR for help 73 times over the year and BC Ambulance Services asked for support 18 times, including two body recoveries on Goats Peak Trail in West Kelowna.
There are currently 55 regular COSAR members with 17 operational members in training for 2025. The organization is working on securing a new facility with the City of Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District and volunteers.
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