Youth search and rescue (YSAR) comes to Queenstown - Future lifesavers in the making
Youth Search and Rescue (YSAR) NZ is expecting a huge response when it launches its three-year programme for 14 to 18-year-olds in the Wakatipu next year.
Applications open online on August 1 and YSAR CEO Steve Campbell says they’re expecting a flood of interest. Applicants need to be 14 by the start date in mid-February.
“We’ve been overwhelmed in other centres where YSAR operates, ,” says Steve. “We often get 60 or 70 applications for 24 places.”
The comprehensive training programme is led by skilled LandSAR experts with many becoming SAR volunteers later as adults. YSAR operates around NZ and will include Queenstown for the first time in February.
“It’s popular because it offers so much,” says Steve. “Young people want to give back. They have a sense of altruism, to do good,” he says.
Young people are also attracted by the technology innovations in SAR’s state of the art equipment and testing new ideas, he says. “We encourage critical thinking, setting up projects to improve response and recovery of missing persons.” It’s all about getting senior students active within SAR.
Outdoor education, basic bushcraft survival, self-awareness, self-management make up the first year, with SAR methodologies, lost person characteristics, Day Skipper and Marino Radio Operator licences and First Aid certificate the following year. The final year focuses on leadership and emergency management, learning about Co-ordinated Incident Management Systems and how to run an operation or exercise. YSAR aligns with LandSAR, Police, Fire and Emergency, St John’s, Emergency Management and Coastguard, working alongside and training young people as future potential volunteers.
It’s hoped YSAR Wakatipu will base out of a commercial building in Frankton. “We have some very good connections in the Wakatipu with LandSAR, Queenstown Police Senior Sergeant John Fookes and instructor Ed Halson.”
A husband-and-wife team from Tauranga are moving to Queenstown to head up YSAR locally with help from two experienced YSAR leaders.
“We have a really good solid team, including Ed and John based here.” Wakatipu SAR long-time volunteer Ed Halson – a contract tutor for LandSAR and YSAR nationally, says he’s delighted after trying to get YSAR here for two years. “It makes such a difference to young people,” he says. “I’ve seen incredible growth and development in every young person I’ve taught. I can’t speak more highly of the skills, attributes and knowledge they gain.”
“A lot of these kids go off, live their lives then come back as SAR volunteers in their mid-20s and 30s and that’s really important succession planning for the future of SAR.”
See: ysar.nz to apply.
