Comox Valley Search & Rescue team in red and blue jackets posing in front of a helicopter at Comox Lake.
Text reading "COMOX VALLEY SEARCH + RESCUE" in blue letters with yellow outlines.
Text on a black background that reads 'VOLUNTEERS HELPING PEOPLE HOME, SAFELY.'

Comox Valley Search & Rescue is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to helping people in distress across some of the most challenging terrain on Vancouver Island. Our team responds 24 hours a day, year-round, working closely with RCMP, BCEHS, and partner agencies to bring people home safely.

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about

Our members are highly trained volunteers who generously give their time to search, rescue, medical response, and community education. From mountain and wilderness searches to rope, avalanche, swiftwater, and K-9 operations, we’re ready to respond when people need help most. Search and rescue is always provided at no cost, and our ability to do this work is made possible through the dedication of our volunteers and the ongoing support of our community.

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What we do

  • Four hikers with backpacks descend a rocky trail through a dense green forest, overlooking a wide valley with rivers, lakes, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

    Ground Search & Rescue

  • Three people, some with helmets and harnesses, are rappelling down a rocky, forested mountain slope.

    Rope & Technical Rescue

  • Two rescue team members in orange jackets and helmets on a snowy mountain, one sitting and the other climbing, with ropes and mountain scenery in the background.

    Avalanche Response

  • Two rescue workers in red uniforms with helmets riding a red rescue boat on a river with trees in the background.

    Swiftwater & Flood Rescue

  • A woman and a black dog in a forest, with the dog running towards the camera and the woman behind it, both surrounded by green foliage.

    K-9 Search

  • A helicopter flying over rocky terrain with two rescue workers in red jackets and helmets sitting and filling out paperwork, surrounded by trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.

    Marine or Aircraft Assists

What we do

 

Comox Valley Search & Rescue is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit society, and every dollar raised supports the training, equipment, and readiness that allow our team to respond when someone is in danger. While our services are always provided at no cost, our ability to respond quickly and professionally depends on the continued support of our community.

community lead

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stay in touch

Big news from Comox Valley Search & Rescue — we’ve launched a brand new website! 🎉 www.cvgsar.com The new site makes it easier for our community to learn who we are, what we do, and how search and rescue works here in the Comox Val
Yesterday was a big one for Comox Valley Search & Rescue. Our team responded to three separate incidents, with two running at the same time. One call took place in Merville, another along the Puntledge River from Maple Pool to the estuary, and a
Remembering Martin McRae It is with heavy hearts that Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue announces the passing of our former member and colleague, Martin McRae, on January 3, 2026. Martin was a dedicated member of CVGSAR from 2018 to 2023. Comin
Join us in congratulating our newest six Rope Rescue Technician 1 (RRT-1) members. Rope Rescue Technician 1 is the second of several provincial training courses that prepares SAR volunteers to safely and effectively carry out rope rescue operations
CVSAR Callout – Cumberland Late Saturday morning, Comox Valley Search and Rescue was called out to assist BCEHS with a medical rescue on the Blockhead Trail in Cumberland. A mountain biker had taken a fall and sustained a serious injury. CVSA
We’re feeling proud of our Comox Valley Search & Rescue community and wanted to recognize a few teammates who’ve recently reached meaningful milestones in their SAR journeys. Please join us in congratulating three dedicated members w

Contact

For non-emergencies and general inquiries, fill out our Contact form and someone will be in touch.

Is this an emergency? For all emergencies, call 9-1-1.

If someone is missing, overdue, or possibly injured, please contact police, fire, or ambulance services who can dispatch search and rescue teams. When in doubt, it’s always better to call sooner rather than later.

For marine emergencies please use the numbers below:

Toll free (within region) 1-800-567-5111
Phone 1-250-413-8933
Cellular #727