B.C. outdoor rescue team reveals top reason why they don't charge
It’s been a pretty busy month for North Shore Rescue (NSR), but the team has no plans to change its policy of not charging for rescues.
The Vancouver-based mountain search and rescue team recently posted a reminder on its social media channels, titled: “Why doesn’t North Shore Rescue charge for rescues?”
The post was made after three October incidents required NSR and helicopters to provide aid and conduct extractions.
North Shore Rescue
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“Whenever we post about a rescue, we inevitably see comments suggesting that the people we rescue should have to pay for it,” wrote NSR online. “It’s an understandable reaction.
“Search and rescue operations can be expensive, and when someone appears to have made poor decisions, it’s easy to think they should be responsible for the cost. But there are some very important reasons why we believe search and rescue should remain free.”
NSR revealed that the single biggest reason they don’t charge for rescues is that it could cost lives, and added that they want people who need help to call sooner rather than when it becomes too late.
The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) and its member search and rescue groups also follow the same guidelines of not charging anyone for their services.
North Shore Rescue
“Imagine you’re lost, injured, or stranded in the mountains. It’s getting dark, the temperature is dropping, and you’re trying to decide whether to call for help. Now imagine knowing that making that call could result in a bill for thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars.
“Some people will hesitate. Some will try to get themselves out of trouble. Others may wait until their situation becomes desperate. A rescue that could have been relatively straightforward in daylight can become significantly more dangerous after dark or when weather deteriorates.”
Other reasons that NSR provides include that determining who is reckless or negligent while in the great outdoors can be difficult; charging for rescues would mean creating a new administrative system for the volunteer-run organization; and that the vast majority of people who need rescuing never thought they would need help in the first place.
North Shore Rescue
“Our volunteers don’t head into the mountains to judge how someone got into trouble. We go because someone needs help,” said the organization.
Supporters of NSR praised the team for their hard work and explanation.
“Thank you for this,” said one person. “As a helicopter pilot, I understand the risks we face when people delay contacting us until conditions have deteriorated even more. Low light and fading fast adds to the dangers.”
“A good friend of mine was rescued by North Shore Rescue after he, through no fault of his own, fell ill on a climb,” added another. “They were excellent, and following the rescue, my friend made a contribution to the rescue to help with future efforts.”
North Shore Rescue
The search and rescue team used the incident as an opportunity to remind people to be prepared when they enjoy the great outdoors.
To avoid becoming the next rescue, NSR recommends carrying what’s known as the 10 Essentials, a short list of must-haves that could save your life:
- Light: A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. Your phone light doesn’t count.
- Signalling Device: A whistle (Fox 40 is best), bear bangers, or flares.
- Fire Starter: Waterproof matches, a lighter, and a firestarter or candle.
- Warm Clothing: Non-cotton layers: toque, gloves, thermal base layers, and a windproof jacket.
- Pocketknife: Or multitool. Handy for building shelter or preparing food.
- Shelter: A large orange plastic bag or thermal tarp.
- Water & Food: At least 1-2L of water and high-energy snacks or bars.
- First Aid Kit: With basics like bandages, gloves, blister care, and a pocket mask.
- Navigation Tools: Compass, physical maps, and GPS (apps like Gaia or CalTopo, not Google Maps).
- Communication Device: Fully charged phone (in airplane mode), plus a backup battery or satellite beacon.
One last tip: always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back — leaving a trip plan with a friend or family member could be what ultimately gets you home.
With files from Daily Hive staff