Skagit County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR)
Who We Are
The Skagit County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) Program provides the county with the presence of highly trained and skilled members to assist in the location and rescue of missing and lost individuals who may be injured or in dangerous conditions and are unable to rescue themselves. Rescues and searches occur from the salt water of Puget Sound to the backcountry of the North Cascade mountain range. This program has become an integral and irreplaceable part of the community and is directed under the Skagit County Sheriff's Office. There are seven field-based SAR units, all operating as 501(c)3 non-profits for the purpose of independent fundraising. They serve as functions of SCSO and can only be dispatched by authorized Skagit County personnel.
Check out some of their independent websites and social media pages to learn more about them. If you feel moved to answer the Search and Rescue call, reach out to the Volunteer Programs Coordinator who can connect you with a member of any unit for a meet and greet.
Land
Skagit County Ground Search And Rescue (GSAR)
Skagit County K9 Search And Rescue (SCK9SAR)
Skagit Mountain Rescue (SMRU)
Marine
East County Water Rescue (ECWR)
Skagit Bay Search And Rescue (SBSAR)
Skagit Technical Water Rescue (STWR)
Mechanized
4 Rivers (ATV/ORV/Snowmobile)
CareTrak (telemetry tracking, affiliated with GSAR)
What We Do
SAR is volunteer-based and can only be called to respond via 911, the Skagit County Sheriff's Office, or during a County EOC activation. Individual requests for response cannot be fulfilled.
