Tumbler Ridge Search and Rescue seeks emergency water training

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C —  The Tumbler Ridge Search and Rescue society is looking to develop training for water emergencies with the help of the regional district. 

In a letter sent to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board of directors and reviewed on November 20th, the Tumbler Ridge Search and Rescue society explained its plans to improve its response times and mutual aid response times with further training. 

Justin Kruse, the search and rescue (SAR) manager of the society, noted the volunteer society has responded to seven calls since May 2025 – a record for the highest number of calls to the society – that occurred in, near or around “swiftwater environments.” 

A “swiftwater environment” is a body of moving water with a fast enough current to be considered a safety hazard in an emergency situation. 

“As our community continues to grow as a tourism destination, the need for recognized swiftwater rescue capability has become increasingly evident,” Kruse stated. 

Kruse noted the recent increase in tourist attraction to local bodies of water, including the Murray River and Kinuseo Falls, detailing how some weekends see more than 100 boats in the area, and visitors venturing into “more remote and higher-risk locations where emergency access is limited.” 

Kruse also explained Tumbler Ridge was close in proximity to the Sukunka, Burn and Pine Rivers.  And although those areas fall under the jurisdiction of the Chetwynd RCMP, Kruse stated the volunteer rescue team “frequently responds to mutual-aid requests” in those areas. 

“Our volunteer team is committed to ensuring public safety through timely and effective emergency response.”

According to Kruse, in a water-related emergency, the Tumbler Ridge team must rely on mutual aid from North Peace Search and Rescue in Fort St. John, and the next closest swiftwater-capable team is located in Prince George. 

“These distances cause significant delays during time-sensitive water emergencies,” Kruse said.

After reviewing the letter, the regional board voted to provide a letter of support endorsing the society’s establishment of swiftwater rescue capabilities. 

No information was available during the meeting or letter regarding when the society would receive these capabilities.