Yukon Search and Rescue is a non-profit organization consisting of 120 members from the communities of Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Faro, Haines Junction and Whitehorse. Yukon SAR groups specialize in Ground and Water SAR. Yukon SAR typically operates in association with the RCMP and Yukon Territory Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).
The Yukon is a mountainous region with a small population, limited cellular reception outside of the communities and few roads, which sometimes means getting to a search area by boat or helicopter.
- 58% of searches are land based
- 42% of searches are water based
- 78% occur in the summer months
- 22% occur in the winter months
- Annual call volume is between 15-20 searches
Members take part in monthly training exercises used to maintain their skills. Throughout the year Basic SAR, Team Leader, tracking, map and compass, GPS, boat training, low angle rescue. The spring and fall training weekend is filled with different components for the cheechako or sourdough alike.