Central Okanagan Search and Rescue called out six times in one week

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue was called out six times in seven days last week, marking its busiest week of 2022 yet.

Most recently, the team helped search for an injured dirt biker near James Lake yesterday, according to a news release from the search and rescue organization.

The rider crashed on a trail 500 metres from the James Lake Forest Service Road, but he managed to make his way to the road where he met with paramedics.

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue crews had already been called to help search and rescue crews in Penticton. A hiker had gone missing near Idleback Lake, and the 11 members from the Central Okanagan arrived to help.

The hiker was found by 10:30 a.m., May 23.

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Penticton Search and Rescue helped the Central Okanagan crews earlier in the week when an ATV rider was injured at the McCulloch Snowmobile Trails on May 19.

His injuries were so severe search and rescue crews needed a helicopter to evacuate the rider, but there were none available in Kelowna, according to the news release. Penticton search and rescue crews sent their medical team with a helicopter to evacuate the rider.

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Back in the city, search and rescue crews helped search for an 83-year-old with dementia. She was last seen in downtown Kelowna, but was later found by Kelowna RCMP on May 18.

To begin the week of calls, the search and rescue crew found an injured hiker who was near Chute Lake Road on May 17, according to the release.

Search manager Duane Tresnich has concerns about the increase in calls, but each of these calls was successful.

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“For the most part people are prepared," he said in the release. “Accidents happen and because people are filing trip plans, bringing the right gear and not going out alone, we have had successful outcomes.”

Although it's been the busiest seven days of the year for the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, it's still well under the 2021 record of 106 calls. So far, the team has responded to 31 calls this year.

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