We’re excited that you’re considering joining Yukon Search and Rescue’s community of volunteer emergency responders! Our team is always on the lookout for people who want to serve their communities and enhance their skills. While we primarily focus on searching for lost persons in Yukon’s vast wilderness, our work requires a variety of skill sets:
- Logistics
- Map work
- Radio operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Financial and clerical administration
- Communications
- Community education
- Fundraising
Membership criteria:
- MUST CURRENTLY RESIDE IN YUKON
- 19 years of age or older
- Recent criminal records check
- Ability to attend monthly Yukon SAR meetings
There is no fee to be a Yukon SAR member.
How to apply for Yukon SAR membership
1. Fill out a Yukon SAR New Member Application. Click here to download the application document.
Applications only accepted from current Yukon residents.
2. Complete criminal record check and vulnerable sector check forms (RCMP-GRC 6388e and RCMP-GRC 3923e), (forms are available at your local detachment). Bring them to your local RCMP detachment along with:
- A valid photo ID
- Another valid ID
- A letter of support from Yukon SAR (download one here)
This process does not have a cost to you. You can pick up the results yourself or have them mailed to you. Alternatively, you can choose to let the RCMP mail them directly to us. If you choose to have them sent to us, proceed to step 3 and let us know that your records check is coming by mail from the RCMP. Otherwise, wait until you have your completed records check and submit it with your application.
3. Submit your completed application package to Yukon SAR, including:
- Your RCMP records check
- a passport photo
- any SAR-related training certificates like first aid documentation
You can send it to us by mail to Yukon Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 2703 (Emergency Measures Organization), Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2C6 or by email to info@yukonsar.org. You are also welcome to bring it in person to any of our monthly training meetings.
4. The board of directors of YSAR will review the application and advise you of your application status.
What happens next?
Once your application is approved, you'll be a Yukon Search and Rescue member. This is the entry or "trainee" level. Depending on your experience, training opportunities will be discussed and you will be signed up for the next available Basic SAR course. You are expected to participate in monthly training sessions and will be made aware of upcoming training events. You'll be added to the mailing list and will get access to the members-only section of the website. A Yukon SAR member who has appropriate skills may also help with the important non-operational work that the crew does in the community like communications, logistics, prevention and education, and more.
Yukon SAR members also receive access to a number of pro deal and supplier discounts from its partners in the outdoor industry.
Basic requirements:
- Accepted into the SAR society
- Suitably fit to perform required outdoor tasks in Yukon
- Be of good standing in the community and able to work well within the society
Full membership: life as a Yukon SAR Search Team Member
Once you have completed the Basic SAR course and maintained/obtained a current Standard First Aid with CPR (minimum) you become a full-fledged search team member, which qualifies you for the call-out list. You'll be issued a booklet of Yukon SAR Standard Operating Procedures and a YSAR vest and cap. Don't forget to bring these to any search or outdoor training session. Specialized training like rope rescue, boat operator proficiency, and advanced outdoor wilderness skills is offered to active and committed members.
Basic requirements:
- Registered SAR volunteer
- Completed the Yukon Basic SAR course
- Current Standard First Aid certificate from a recognized provider
Taking it further: the team leader
Team leaders provide safe and effective leadership together with search team members during searches and training missions. The members of Yukon SAR recognize candidates as potential leaders. They will be expected to lead teams on all basic search types.
Basic requirements:
- Active, certified SAR search team member for at least one year
- Passed the Yukon SAR team leader course
- Current Standard First Aid certificate (Advanced or Wilderness level is strongly encouraged)
Leading the charge as a Yukon SAR search manager
This level is required for any member who will function as a search manager, plans chief, or operations chief on a fully operational RCMP search.
Basic requirements:
- Active, certified Yukon SAR search team member for at least two years
- Take and pass the Yukon search management course
Questions? Contact us through our online form or email us at info@yukonsar.org.
