Discover Adventure: Join Central Okanagan Search and Rescue for Exciting Tracking Sessions This Easter Weekend!

Despite the unpredictable weather, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) organized two tracking courses over the Easter weekend. From April 18-20, 13 eager students participated in the TrackAware Course. Among them were five COSAR members. Additionally, 10 students, including four more from COSAR, engaged in a separate tracking course.

The weekend kicked off with registration and a communal dinner on Friday. The training officially began that evening. The next day, students took their lessons outdoors. The TrackAware group practiced their skills along five sign lines near Postill Lake Forest Service Road. Meanwhile, the Tracker class tackled a challenging tracking scenario set on a Farmers Drive property.

After a hearty dinner, it was time for the students to demonstrate their skills. They showcased their progress before diving into night tracking exercises.

On Sunday, the final fieldwork wrapped up with a debriefing session and a badge presentation. Excitingly, four students earned their TrackAware certifications, including Kristen from COSAR, who achieved this milestone after just two classes. Astrid Kneipp also received her Tracker certification, recognized as one of COSAR’s strongest trackers.

A noteworthy aspect of this event was the collaborative spirit, as Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers from various regions—Okanagan, Princeton, Kamloops, Logan Lake, Quesnel, the Kootenays, and Vancouver Island—contributed their efforts.

Looking ahead, the next tracking course is scheduled in Princeton from May 9 to 11. This continuous dedication to training underlines the importance of preparedness in search and rescue operations.

According to recent statistics, effective training can increase search and rescue success rates significantly. A study from the National Association for Search and Rescue revealed that teams undergoing regular training experience a 20% higher success rate in locating missing persons. This emphasizes how weekends like these not only build skills but also save lives.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as organizations like COSAR enhance their commitment to community safety.

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