At Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, we are proud to provide critical services to our community. Our team of dedicated volunteers responds to a variety of emergencies, including search and rescue operations, swiftwater rescues, and disaster support for other agencies. We take pride in our commitment to providing essential services to our community. We are always ready to respond, no matter the situation, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our community.

SBCSAR Operations

  • Technical Rope Rescue

    Technical Rope Rescue

    SBCSAR’s technical rope rescue team is trained is advanced techniques to respond to complex rescue scenarios.

  • K9 Units

    K9 Units

    SBCSAR uses trained K9 teams for search and rescue operations, with five certified dogs in three disciplines.

  • Swift Water Rescue

    Swift Water Rescue

    Swiftwater Teams undergo extensive training to develop rescue techniques and emphasize the importance of situational awareness.

  • Fire & Storm Evacuations

    Fire & Storm Evacuations

    The Team assists in warning and evacuating people during fires and rainstorms, performing evacuations and rescues.

  • UAV Operations

    The Team employs UAVs with infrared cameras to search to find people who are hard to detect.

  • Helicopter Operations

    Helicopter Operations

    The Team utilizes helicopters for search and rescue missions, including medical evacuations and transportation.

  • SAR Incident Management

    SAR Incident Management

    The Team utilizes ICS for efficient and coordinated emergency response across agencies.

  • Emergency Beacon Operations

    Emergency Beacon Operations

    SBCSAR responds to various emergency beacons to locate and rescue people safely.

  • Alpine, Snow & Ice Rescue

    Alpine, Snow & Ice Rescue

    SBCSAR is certified in alpine snow and ice operations to perform rescues in these conditions.

  • Mountain Bike Response

    Mountain Bike Response

    The mountain bike unit assists in search and rescue operations on mountain trails. The team covers large distances quickly.

  • Off-Road Operations

    Off-Road Operations

    With the ability to access remote areas that are difficult or slow to reach on foot, SBCSAR's off-road vehicles are essential.

  • Project Lifesaver

    Project Lifesaver

    The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department has partnered with SBCSAR to provide services for at-risk individuals.

  • Tracking

    Tracking

    SBCSAR uses tracking and sign-cutting to find lost hikers and assists the Sheriff's Department in investigations, identifying clues that help solve cases.

  • Mutual Aid

    Mutual Aid

    SBCSAR provides mutual aid in through the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA).

  • Community Education

    SBCSAR provides educational services to local schools, foundations and the general public.