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Gear swap will help re-equipping
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| HELPING HAND: Search and rescue crews constantly need to upgrade and replace gear so the coming gear swap will assist them in being properly outfitted for their responsibilities. |
Organization needs to renew and upgrade outdoors equipment
by Paul Galinski | reporter@prpeak.com
Old and used outdoors equipment can be turned into currency to help re-equip Powell River's search and rescue organization.
Randy Mitchell, Powell River Search and Rescue trainer, said being outfitted to look for people in all conditions and terrains is challenging.
"We are in constant need of equipment," Mitchell said. "We have quite a mandate. We can be dealing with anything like swift water rescue and avalanche, to searching for people in many environments. We can be involved in any emergency plan, especially when it goes outside into the bush.
"BC Ambulance doesn't want to go too deep in the bush and neither does the fire department. They are not equipped. Our mandate, for example, if there's a downed aircraft in the bush, is we would be called."
Mitchell said there is need for GPS (global positioning system) equipment, compasses, backpacks and rain gear.
"It's just a constant," he said. "As we acquire new members, we are expected to outfit them to a degree. There are currently about 30 people involved in the search and rescue organization in Powell River."
The gear swap is being hosted by Alpha Adventures. Mitchell said people with items they would like to sell can drop them off at Alpha.
"Primarily, it is a function where we are taking in old hiking and camping gear and there's a 60/40 split, where 60 per cent goes back to the owner and 40 goes to purchasing new search and rescue equipment for us, like ropes and compasses and such," Mitchell said. "We are trying to build up our inventory. These are things you have to renew; they wear out. Some of our compasses are 10 years old. They are running $60 or $70 apiece so you have to buy a couple of dozen. It adds up."
If the weather is good a tent will be pitched in the back of the store, and if the weather's bad, the gear swap will be confined to the store. The organizers are looking for smaller outdoor items to sell.
"We are really not wanting to get kayaks and big bikes because we don't have the space, but camping gear and sports equipment is ideal," Mitchell said. They are accepting all gear relating to the outdoor scene, including: wilderness tools, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hiking footwear, tech clothing, cookware, stoves, lighting, packs, tents, paddles, personal floatation devices, skis and poles, snowboards and other similar items.
These gear swaps have been tried in other communities but this is the first for Powell River.
"It's an opportunity for community-minded people to sell some items they are not using and to help benefit Powell River Search and Rescue at the same time," Mitchell said.
The gear swap will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 9 am to 5 pm. Equipment for the swap can be dropped off at Alpha Adventures, 6812 Alberni Street. For more information, readers can call 604.485.7529.
Those interested in applying to join the search and rescue organization must receive basic training lasting 75 hours. It is a volunteer organization.
Members have to be physically capable of the rigours. After basic training, there is advanced training that participants can take.
"If people like to have adrenalin in their system, this does it," Mitchell said.
Randy Mitchell, Powell River Search and Rescue trainer, said being outfitted to look for people in all conditions and terrains is challenging.
"We are in constant need of equipment," Mitchell said. "We have quite a mandate. We can be dealing with anything like swift water rescue and avalanche, to searching for people in many environments. We can be involved in any emergency plan, especially when it goes outside into the bush.
"BC Ambulance doesn't want to go too deep in the bush and neither does the fire department. They are not equipped. Our mandate, for example, if there's a downed aircraft in the bush, is we would be called."
Mitchell said there is need for GPS (global positioning system) equipment, compasses, backpacks and rain gear.
"It's just a constant," he said. "As we acquire new members, we are expected to outfit them to a degree. There are currently about 30 people involved in the search and rescue organization in Powell River."
The gear swap is being hosted by Alpha Adventures. Mitchell said people with items they would like to sell can drop them off at Alpha.
"Primarily, it is a function where we are taking in old hiking and camping gear and there's a 60/40 split, where 60 per cent goes back to the owner and 40 goes to purchasing new search and rescue equipment for us, like ropes and compasses and such," Mitchell said. "We are trying to build up our inventory. These are things you have to renew; they wear out. Some of our compasses are 10 years old. They are running $60 or $70 apiece so you have to buy a couple of dozen. It adds up."
If the weather is good a tent will be pitched in the back of the store, and if the weather's bad, the gear swap will be confined to the store. The organizers are looking for smaller outdoor items to sell.
"We are really not wanting to get kayaks and big bikes because we don't have the space, but camping gear and sports equipment is ideal," Mitchell said. They are accepting all gear relating to the outdoor scene, including: wilderness tools, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hiking footwear, tech clothing, cookware, stoves, lighting, packs, tents, paddles, personal floatation devices, skis and poles, snowboards and other similar items.
These gear swaps have been tried in other communities but this is the first for Powell River.
"It's an opportunity for community-minded people to sell some items they are not using and to help benefit Powell River Search and Rescue at the same time," Mitchell said.
The gear swap will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 9 am to 5 pm. Equipment for the swap can be dropped off at Alpha Adventures, 6812 Alberni Street. For more information, readers can call 604.485.7529.
Those interested in applying to join the search and rescue organization must receive basic training lasting 75 hours. It is a volunteer organization.
Members have to be physically capable of the rigours. After basic training, there is advanced training that participants can take.
"If people like to have adrenalin in their system, this does it," Mitchell said.
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