Outreach & AdventureSmart
The best rescue is the one we never do.
LSAR is a proud AdventureSmart delivery partner. We bring free outdoor safety education to schools, community groups, and recreation organizations across the Ladysmith area.
AdventureSmart is built around three habits that prevent most backcountry emergencies. We teach them, we live them, and we'll bring them to your group — at no cost.
The Three T's
Three habits. Most emergencies trace back to skipping at least one.
AdventureSmart
Check conditions, know the terrain, pack the right gear. A good plan is the difference between an adventure and an emergency. We teach you how to read weather, assess risk, and prepare for the unexpected.
- Check BC Parks or AllTrails for trail conditions
- Know the signs of hypothermia — and how to prevent it
- Carry the ten essentials, always
- Know how long you actually have before dark
AdventureSmart
Navigation, first aid, survival basics. We run free public education sessions and can come to your group, club, or school. The more people know, the fewer calls we get — and that's a good thing.
- Take a wilderness first aid course
- Learn to use a map and compass, not just a phone
- Practice navigation in familiar terrain first
- A GPS is backup, not a replacement for skills
AdventureSmart
Leave a trip plan with someone you trust. Where you're going, when you'll be back, and what to do if you're not. This single habit dramatically speeds up search response when something goes wrong.
- Tell someone your trailhead, route, and return time
- Give them a clear trigger: "if I'm not back by 8 PM, call 911"
- Use a paper trip plan — don't rely on a text
- Check in when you're out, not just when you're late
What we offer
Free. No strings. Just education.
Age-appropriate sessions on outdoor safety, decision-making in the backcountry, and what SAR actually is. We bring the gear, the stories, and the realism.
Hiking clubs, Scouts, community centres — if your group spends time outdoors, we'll come to you. 45 minutes, no cost, no fluff.
We work with trail associations, paddling clubs, and recreation societies to embed safety messaging at the source — before people head out.
Find us at Ladysmith community events. Stop by, ask questions, pick up trip plan cards. Prevention is a conversation.
Leave a trip plan. Every single time.
It takes five minutes. Write down where you're going, what trail, when you'll be back, and what vehicle you're in. Leave it with someone who will actually call 911 if you're overdue. This one habit is the single most useful thing any backcountry user can do.
No app required. A sticky note works.
- BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA)
- AdventureSmart Canada
- BC Parks
- Cowichan Valley Regional District
- Ladysmith Schools
- Local hiking and paddling clubs
Book a presentation or ask a question
Want us at your school, club, or event? Send us a message. We'll make it happen.
Contact Us
For non-emergency help only. If someone is lost, hurt, or in immediate danger, call 911.