Many search and rescue incidents in Lions Bay involve steep slopes, cliffs, gullies, and drainage features. Rope rescue capabilities are therefore essential to safely access subjects, manage exposure, and conduct controlled evacuations in complex terrain.
Training Exercise: Vancouver Island, “Over the Edge” rope rescue practice organized by Cowichan SAR.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue maintains proficiency in both low-angle and high-angle rope rescue using Dual-Capability Two-Tensioned Rope Systems (DCTTRS). This top-down system employs two independently tensioned ropes, each capable of supporting the full rescue load.
Rescue teams utilize a combination of natural and artificial anchors and construct a variety of rope systems, including lowering, raising, hauling, and directional systems, to safely move rescuers and patients through exposed terrain to extraction points.
Rope rescue qualifications are structured in progressive levels. Rope Rescue Level 1 (RR1) members operate within defined safe zones at the top of an edge and support system setup and operations.
Rope Rescue Level 2 (RR2) technicians are qualified to operate over the edge in high-angle terrain. Rope Rescue Team Leaders oversee all rope rescue operations and coordinate with the Search Manager.
All rope rescue personnel must successfully complete provincial certification examinations and maintain operational readiness through a minimum of 20 hours of annual rope rescue training and recurrency.