Alpine search and rescue

Volunteering type

Assist the NSW Police with searches for missing persons in alpine areas.

Fitness level

High

Time requirements

On call after training

About the role

The alpine area of NSW is a popular location for many sports and activities, particularly during the winter months. Sometimes people undertake activities that can get themselves into trouble and require the assistance of emergency services to rescue them due to becoming lost or are injured.

Weather in the alps can rapidly change from bright sunshine to a raging blizzard with freezing temperatures, gale force winds and heavy snow within a few hours. It is therefore important that in an emergency, people are reached as quickly as possible.

The NSW SES Snowy River Unit (based at Jindabyne) and the NSW SES Tumut Unit both assist the Police if requested in searches for lost persons in the Alps. To assist the volunteers to reach isolated areas quickly, both units have several snowmobiles as well as using snow shoes and skis to reach remote locations. Volunteers undertaking this role must live in the general area of the Snowy Mountains.

What's involved in this role

These rescues usually involve people who have fallen while bushwalking or people who have been trapped in high places. Roles in these kinds of rescues may include using specialist equipment and techniques for rescuing people at height or from depths.

What you will love

Learn a skill you can use recreationally.
Enjoy training in some scenic locations across NSW including cliffs, caves and towers.
Put your skills to use and make a difference.