Over 60 Years of Dedicated Service

Since 1962, volunteer search and rescue teams in Santa Barbara County have been made up of ordinary community members who are committed to training and preparing for emergency situations. The early teams were formed in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria, and they set the foundation for what would become a tradition of service that continues to this day. Over the years, these volunteers have dedicated countless hours to honing their skills in all areas of rescue procedures.

One of the early teams, the Los Padres team, focused on wilderness search and rescue, which led them to apply and qualify as a member of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) in the late 1970s. This was a significant achievement, as they were one of only a few California teams that met the high technical rock, snow & ice, and search standards of the MRA. The Los Padres team was a pioneer in the field of search and rescue, and their dedication to excellence helped set the bar for future teams.

In 2001, the various search and rescue teams in Santa Barbara County were unified into the single county-wide team that we have today. For over 60 years, these volunteers have been ready to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. They have provided expert assistance in a variety of emergency situations, from lost hikers to missing children and more. Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is a testament to the power of community members coming together to help others, and their dedication to service continues to inspire us all.