Last weekend Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) welcomed 16 other Southern California Search and Rescue (SAR) teams to Santa Barbara County for a vital reaccreditation exercise.
SAR personnel conducted training scenarios and evaluations in various locations, including Ellwood, Ellings, More Mesa, trails in the Santa Ynez Valley, and the Los Padres National Forest.
The reaccreditation process, overseen by the California Region of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), ensures that teams remain highly skilled in technical rescue, wilderness search operations, medical aid, and other essential life-saving techniques.
The exercises allowed SAR teams to test their coordination, effectiveness, and proficiency in specific skills related to search management and tracking.
Local residents and visitors may have noticed an increased presence of uniformed SAR personnel and vehicles in these areas on March 14-15. Please be assured that this was a planned exercise. We encourage the public to continue enjoying outdoor spaces.
A Community Effort
Search and Rescue teams are made up entirely of dedicated volunteers who respond 24/7 to assist those lost or injured in the wilderness. Many of the teams participating in this event have also been actively responding to Southern California wildfires, making this training an essential opportunity to maintain their readiness and resilience.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Direct Relief for supporting this event and ensuring that our SAR teams—especially those impacted by recent wildfires—have the resources they need. We also thank Los Padres National Forest, local County & City parks, and open space agencies for their support in allowing us to use these critical training locations. Their cooperation enables SAR teams to train in realistic terrain while minimizing disruptions to public lands.
Why This Matters
Each year, SAR teams across the state respond to hundreds of calls for lost hikers, injured climbers, and those in need of emergency rescue. Events like this reaccreditation not only keep our volunteers at the top of their game but also strengthen coordination between teams across the
region.
For more information about Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue and their services, visit their website at sbcsar.org or follow them on social media @sbcsar for updates on their ongoing efforts to keep the community safe.
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Thank you, SBCSAR!