Central Okanagan
Search and Rescue

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue has been providing the region with life-saving search and rescue services since 1954. COSAR is the oldest SAR team in the province and handles everything from technical back country rescues to searching for missing children and elderly individuals with dementia. Every person within the Central Okanagan has the potential to benefit from the services provided by the team.

No Charge for Rescues

Search and Rescue services in BC and across Canada are provided free of charge to those that require help. If you, a friend, or a loved one are ever in a situation that may require SAR services, do not delay in calling for help.

Call 911 and Search and Rescue will be activated, free of charge regardless of the situation.

100+

Tasks per Year

Over the last couple of years, COSAR has been requested to respond to over 100 tasks per year. This number is expected to dramatically increase over the next several years.

20,000+

Volunteer Hours

COSAR's team of professional volunteers contribute over 20,000 hours per year to tasks, training, administration, and equipment maintenance. Every hour is unpaid and provides an annual savings of over $600,000 to the community.
55

Volunteers

COSAR is made up of a team of approximately 55 well trained professional volunteers. Members are trained in a range of disciplines including advanced first aid, technical rope rescue, and swift water rescue along with general search and rescue skills.

5,000 KM

Area

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue is responsible for serving a 5,000 km area that ranges from Peachland to Kalamalka Lake to Beaverdell to Elkhart Summit.

Need Help? Call 911

COSAR provides our community with life-saving search and rescue services 24/7, 365 days per year.

Thank you to our corporate sponsors!

Your support helps save lives.