Kamloops Search and Rescue looking for new members ahead of summer | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops Search and Rescue looking for new members ahead of summer

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KAMLOOPS - As the weather warms up, Kamloops Search and Rescue is preparing for any calls they may get for hikers, boaters or fishermen in trouble, but they're hoping to have more members to help with these calls.

Search manager Alan Hobler says Kamloops Search and Rescue is hoping to add 10 to 15 more members to their crew ahead of the summer season.

He says the team can have high turnover of searchers, although things have remained steady the past few months. 

"For some people it’s very rewarding and it’s a chance to give back to the community," Hobler says. "It can be exciting, it can be boring... but it sort of appeals to those people who want to get a call at midnight and run out to help someone."

Hobler says the requirements aren't as strict as people may think. 

"There’s sort of a misconception we’re searching for these super athletes," Hobler says. "We’re looking for the average person who has a moderate level of fitness who’s able to hike with a 20- to 30-pound pack on their back."

Hobler says the search crew is also hoping to see a strong level of commitment from new recruits, which can mean clocking in around 200 hours per year. He says it doesn't matter what kind of career you're in, as long as you're willing to train and go out for calls.

"We have people that work at restaurants to forestry," he says. "We have everybody and you can’t categorize it at all. Retired people are great… because their schedules tend to be a bit more flexible."

Other requirements include being at least 19 years old with no criminal record, have a valid Level 1 Occupational First Aid with Transportation Endorsement, have a valid driver's licence and own transportation, and have adequate outdoor equipment.

Hobler says Kamloops Search and Rescue is hoping to see recruits who are interested in helping, and not adding a piece to their resume.

For more information on joining Kamloops Search and Rescue, go here.


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