Lions Bay Search and Rescue

03/24/2026

Lions Bay Search and Rescue extends our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the hiker who passed away following the incident on Mount Brunswick.

We thank all first responders for their efforts in what was a complex, difficult, and high-risk operation.

We understand that a GoFundMe has been created by the individual’s friends and family in support of his actions and to assist those impacted.

This is a deeply tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.

03/24/2026

Countdown to our Annual Fundraiser…

Come and meet some of the special volunteers who donate their time with RCMSAR12 helping to keep our community safe on the water.

We have a fun filled evening planned with live music, delicious food, live and silent auction, a raffle and 50-50 draws with some great prizes!!

Get your event ticket or buy a raffle ticket online today and help support Marine Search and Rescue on the Central Sunshine Coast!!

https://www.rcmsar12.org/page/fundraiser

03/23/2026

LBSAR Volunteers responded yesterday afternoon to a callout for two injured hikers on Mount Brunswick. While descending in a group of 14, one hiker fell 20m on steep terrain, a second hiker then lost footing and slid over 100m, stopping in a snow moat above a waterfall. The group had microspikes and poles, which were not sufficient for the icy spring conditions.

The call came in at 1:40 PM and escalated to a mutual aid response with NSR. A total of 22 SAR members responded, 5 from NSR and 17 from LBSAR. Due to the terrain, both patients were accessed via helicopter and technical rope systems. One was hoisted with support from an onboard physician, and the other was reached by inserted members. The remaining hikers were safely escorted out. Both patients were transported to hospital, one stable, one in critical condition.

This incident highlights how terrain and snow conditions can quickly increase the consequences of a slip, especially during transitional spring conditions. In these conditions, mountaineering crampons and an ice axe, along with the training to use them for self-arrest, are required for safe travel. Please assess terrain exposure carefully, not just distance or elevation gain, and to make conservative decisions when conditions are challenging. 

Lions Bay SAR extends a special thanks to North Shore Rescue, Talon Helicopters, BC Emergency Health Services, Lions Bay Fire Rescue, Squamish RCMP, and all supporting agencies for their assistance.

12/26/2025

From our LBSAR family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! May your season be filled with warmth, fun adventures, and moments worth celebrating. Thank you to all first responders on call over the holidays, here’s to a safe and happy New Year! ✨🎅🏻

10/15/2025

❄️🎙️ Winter Keeners! 🎙️❄️

Join BC AdventureSmart’s Expert Webinar Series (free, Oct–Mar).

Learn smart tips for communications, avalanche terrain, cold-weather travel, tree wells, and more, so you can explore more and need rescue less.

Register: bcsara.com/outdoor-education/events/

Welcome to our outdoor education online special events! We cover numerous important topics, along with invited expert guests, to make sure your outdoor experience is a safe one for loved ones and friends.

10/09/2025

Snow!? While we’re still clinging to warm, sunny days, winter is on its way! The first flakes in the mountains are your reminder to plan and pack for changing conditions. This week LBSAR volunteers practiced hypothermia wraps at training, in preparation for winter.

Packing Reminders:
- Warm layers, waterproof gear, micro spikes.
- Headlamp with extra batteries (daylight fades fast!)
- Emergency kit + extra food and water
- Tell someone your trip plan before you go

Plan ahead, stay alert, and come home safe!
Wishing everyone fun and safe adventures ahead for the long Thanksgiving weekend.

LBSAR

•••

09/23/2025

🚨 WASPS! – Deeks Lake Trail 🚨
There is an active wasp nest on the Deeks Lake Trail from Porteau Cove around 440m elevation. In the past 24 hours, two hikers have sustained multiple stings and experienced allergic reactions after hiking near the nest.

⚠️ If you are planning to hike this trail:
* Be alert in the area and avoid disturbing the nest.
* Carry epi if you have a history of allergic reactions.
* Hike with a partner if possible.
* If stung and experiencing difficulty breathing, swelling, or other signs of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.

Please share this information with others who may be heading out on the surrounding trails.

-LBSAR

06/03/2025

🚨Weekend Call-Out Recaps: 🚨
LBSAR Volunteers were busy this weekend with two different callouts for hiking groups wearing inadequate footwear for the conditions.

Reminders:
☀️ Check the weather the day of!
🥾 Wear proper gear for snow!
🤸‍♂️ Be flexible, if conditions are worse than expected, turn around!

Microspikes don’t turn trail running shoes into mountain boots, and in soft snow, even with spikes, it’s easy to slip and take a dangerous fall. Without an ice axe and the training to self-arrest, that slip can turn serious fast!

Please be extra cautious hiking with children especially this time of year. The mountains are still very snowy. Plan accordingly and stay safe out there!

05/09/2025

🚨Call-Out Recap: Tunnel Bluffs 🚨
LBSAR volunteers respond to a callout on Thursday evening for a subject with an ankle injury after a stumble on the trail. LBSAR members responded, assessed and treated the injury, and evacuated the subject via stretcher carry, then helicopter extraction (HETS).

A reminder that popular trails can pose hazards! Proper footwear, layers, and preparation are key, no matter the season or how short the hike may seem. Wishing everyone a fun and safe weekend!

•••

05/09/2025

05/06/2025

LBSAR Volunteers responded on Sunday afternoon to a callout for two teen hikers who had gone off-route while descending Hat Mountain. One of the subjects slipped and fell down a steep and snow-filled gully. The second subject called 911, initiating the rescue response.

With support from NSR and Talon, the first hiker was located after being spotted throwing snow to signal the searchers by air and was safely hoisted from hazardous terrain. The search efforts continued for the second subject, involving technical rope rescue, and medical efforts by doctors in very steep, snowy terrain.

The subject was found unresponsive. Despite every effort by the rescue teams the subject was hoisted and flown directly to VGH where they were sadly pronounced deceased.

Our hearts are with both hikers, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.

Thank you to the support from NSR, Talon, EHS, ECC, VGH, and Squamish RCMP for the professionalism and care during an incredibly difficult and tragic callout.

05/06/2025