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One hundredth call makes 2021 COSAR's busiest year

COSAR had its busiest year on record

The one hundredth call for Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) this week highlights just how busy the team has been.

With two weeks of the year remaining, 2021 has been COSAR’s busiest since starting in 1954.

Breaking the three-digit mark for callouts ended up being a non-event.

On Dec 14, after 7:30 p.m., COSAR was called to help the RCMP find a missing driver after a vehicle was abandoned near Stillingfleet Park in downtown Kelowna.

The search was urgent because of the subject’s health. Police found the person at Kelowna General Hospital before COSAR teams were deployed.

Last year, the organization recorded 84 searches, which was 50 per cent higher than a normal year. Before COVID-19, teams would average between 50 and 60 a year.

COSAR will be adding 15 new recruits in January to help with the increased load.

Published 2021-12-15 by Connor Chan

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