Do you want to help save lives in and around the Okanagan?

The Central Okanagan Search and Rescue team (COSAR) may just have a spot for you. The volunteer-run team is recruiting new members, with an open house on Oct. 20 starting at 6 p.m.

COSAR spokesperson Ed Henczel said with the increase in calls for their help, they香蕉视频直播檙e hoping to bolster their numbers. Currently, there are 51 active members, but he said they香蕉视频直播檙e hoping to get that up to about 60 to 65 in order to fulfill tasks.

香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e 50 per cent above what our norms are. We香蕉视频直播檝e had 90 calls this year, and we still have three months left,香蕉视频直播� he said.

香蕉视频直播淏ased on historical data, we get a bit of a lull for the next 30 days and things start taking off in December again.香蕉视频直播�

But it香蕉视频直播檚 not all about trekking in the dark, flying in helicopters or driving ATVs and snowmobiles to rescue people 香蕉视频直播� it香蕉视频直播檚 also about paperwork and a lot of training, Henczel said. He said applicants don香蕉视频直播檛 have to have everything and be able to do it all, but they do want to see well-rounded people apply to fill out the team.

香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e not looking for a Navy SEAL type of person, we香蕉视频直播檙e just looking for well-rounded candidates. You don香蕉视频直播檛 have to be super fit, but if you have a good level of first aid or you香蕉视频直播檙e a navigator or you香蕉视频直播檙e good with communications, you can help,香蕉视频直播� he said.

香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e looking for outdoor knowledge, ability to work in a team, and availability. It香蕉视频直播檚 a time suck and things happen at weird hours. No one is ever reported missing on a Sunday afternoon. They usually say 香蕉视频直播榠f I香蕉视频直播檓 not back by dark, call someone香蕉视频直播�, so we get the call after dark. So if you have an understanding boss who can let you come in late on Monday morning after you香蕉视频直播檝e been out until 5 a.m. on Sunday, then that may work.香蕉视频直播�

Tonight香蕉视频直播檚 open house will include a question and answer period at the team香蕉视频直播檚 hall (4680 Old Vernon Road), followed by an evaluation hike and interviews.

香蕉视频直播淵ou cannot write too much on your application. If you香蕉视频直播檝e got some skills, you香蕉视频直播檙e a project manager, include that in your application,香蕉视频直播� he said.

香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e looking for a wide range of skills. It香蕉视频直播檚 not all just being in the woods, so we香蕉视频直播檇 rather have too much information in your application package.香蕉视频直播�

COSAR will be accepting applications until Oct. 31. More information can be found on and .

READ MORE: Late night rescue of teen lost in remote area of Penticton

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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