Why we formed
The squad was formed on the basis that the best people to search for missing bushwalkers are experienced bushwalkers. Because they understand the bush, they know how to navigate in difficult terrain, they know the hidden passes and the common mistakes walkers make while trying to find a rout in difficult country.
In 1936 a hi-profile search for missing bushwalkers prompted the police and the confederation of Bushwalking Clubs to form the Search and Rescue sub committee of the
Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs. By 2000 changing times prompted the sub committee to form into an incorporated entity, with more highly trained membership (requiring specialist skills to effectively work with other
search agencies).
To enable our members to function effectively in the bush and increase their skills we hold regular training days and weekends. We also hold familiarization trips for members, which are basically bushwalks or canyon trips, this gives our members the chance to familiarize themselves with areas they may not normally go. The emphasis on all these activities is that they
are fun to participate in, while enhancing the high skill level required.
View a video that show BWRS activities [click here]
You will need an internet browser that automatically displays video files and broadband as this is a rather large file.
The Vision of BWRS
- Provide a highly skilled volunteer bush Land Search and Rescue service for the general community, and in particular the bushwalking and outdoors communities.
- Utilise the skills, knowledge and remote area experience of our members drawn from the Bushwalking Clubs and the outdoor industry.
- Work together with, and assist, the NSW Police Service and other Emergency Services as required.
- Be recognised as the most suitable, capable and experienced group for remote area land search and rescue.
- Promote modern bush Land Search and Rescue skills through membership of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Inc (VRA) and liaison with other rescue and emergency services, (to this end we run the Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield - NavShield).
- Provide a comprehensive training program to complement the skills of bushwalkers.
- Promote social interaction within the membership of BWRS Inc. via a range of formal and informal activities.
- Actively encourage safety in outdoors activities.
- Promote bushwalking and the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc amongst the wider community.
Membership
Our members are experienced Bushwalkers and Canyoners, who can travel through rough terrain safely and quickly, day or night, in any weather. Each member is completely self contained with food and shelter for an overnight stay in the field with reserves for a further 24 hours. Clothing, food and equipment appropriate to the conditions is always available.
The membership includes a wide range of skills and expertise: -
- bushwalking and wilderness exploration,
- land search and rescue,
- remote area first aid,
- vertical rescue, (a large group of Vm, V1 and V3 qualified operators),
- canyon search and rescue,
- rock climbing,
- work around helicopter,
- alpine work,
- training,
- search management,
- a number of our members have professional guiding experience in the disciplines mentioned above.
Area of Expertise
Our main area of expertise is finding overdue or lost bushwalkers. These skills are also useful in:-
- any remote area search and rescue, such as remote aircraft crashes;
- finding strayed children or old folk;
- rugged or overgrown terrain anywhere.
Search Base Personnel
Our search incident base personnel are experienced land search operation managers with years of experience. They use specially prepared computerized incident logging and reporting software to keep track of search parties from reports. They use Oziexplorer to verify coverage of the search area, from record tracks and waypoints downloaded from search team gps.
Communications within remote areas
Our primary communications system is HF radio which does not require line of sight and using special techniques (NVIS) can communicate over long distances and/or into deep narrow gorges or canyons. We also use UHF radios where we have line of sight or repeaters.
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Specialist Skills within BWRS
Bush skills and Wilderness Navigation
All our members are experienced in 'bushman' skills (finding path through cliff lines, river crossing, rough camping, cooking fire lighting, etc.), many have exceptional bush navigation skills.
Vertical
Over half of our members have abseiling and canyoning skills. Many are qualified to the State Rescue Board (SRB) V1, V2, V3, Vm standard. A number of members are qualified instructors for the SRB V skills.
Canyon
About half of the membership are experienced canyoners and participate in regular trips. A number are canyon instructors and guides.
River Crossing (includes Swift Water Techniques)
All members who wish to be are instructed in river crossing techniques, including swift water. These training sessions are always fun, but with a very serious intent.
Radio Operators
We are fortunate to have the services of a number of very experienced radio operators. All members are trained to be proficient in the use of radios. |
Who can join BWRS, what are the members like?
The bulk of our members are very fit and active, they
come from the Bushwalking Clubs or the Outdoor Recreation Industry.
However we do need support staff who have some background in bushwalking
together with other skills such as: - advanced Wilderness first aid, radio
communications, navigational/mapping computer programs such as
Oziexplorer. We have minimum age for members at 18 years, the bulk of the
membership is 20s to 40s with a number of experience old-timers still
active. Everyone is encouraged to participate and achieve to the maximum
of their ability.
So if you are an experienced off track multi day trip
walker or you believe that you have other skills that will benefit the squad
please contact us. [click here] for
information on how to join us. |
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