Outdoor enthusiasts kept Central Okanagan Search and Rescue busy this week

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue crews were called out six times this week, marking one of the busiest stretches in its history.  

"The week started with our boat team assisting RCMP divers in recovering the body of a motorist who plunged off Westside Road and into Okanagan Lake. Her vehicle was found in 170 feet of water," a COSAR representative said in a press release.

"On Wednesday, we were dispatched to the KVR to help bring an injured mountain biker to an ambulance on Gillard Forest Service Road."

On Friday they helped West Kelowna Fire Rescue extract a seriously injured mountain biker near Powers Creek in West Kelowna, though it was the Penticton SAR heli team that was eventually used to airlift the cyclist out.

Just a few hours later, their rope team again joined West Kelowna Fire Rescue to extract two hikers who tried to climb down Bear Creek and got "cliffed out."

"Saturday we once again joined West Kelowna Fire Rescue and PenSAR to assist North Westside Fire Rescue to save an injured cliff jumper at Fintry Falls. Penticton SAR’s heli team recovered the subject, who was then flown to hospital by BC Air Ambulance," according to the COSAR release.

Just as COSAR volunteers were demobilizing from that task, they were called out to locate a missing person in the Smith Creek area of West Kelowna. That person walked out on her own just as crews arrived.

Members of the team have also been assisting with the Kamloops search for missing motorcyclist Mark Foan. He was last seen on Monday morning at a Tim Hortons north of Kamloops.

"COSAR would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts that search and rescue teams do not charge for their services, but outcomes are generally better if people get training, carry the 10 essentials and leave a trip plan. More info can be found at Adventuresmart.ca," COSAR said.