About Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue (SAR) is the coordinated effort to locate and assist people who are lost, injured, or in distress, often in remote or challenging environments. Modern SAR grew from early mountaineering rescue teams and has evolved into organized operations led by trained professionals and volunteers.
Today, SAR teams use navigation, tracking, search planning, and teamwork to respond quickly and safely in the field. In places like the Sierra Nevada, these skills are essential for operating in rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions.
Search and Rescue: Introduction – If you’re new to search and rescue, this course is your starting point. You’ll learn how SAR teams operate, basic field safety, communication, navigation, and the roles responders play during a search. No prior experience required.
Search and Rescue: Tracking – This course focuses on the skills used to follow and interpret human sign in the field. Students learn to identify tracks, disturbances, and patterns that help locate a missing person, while practicing observation, terrain awareness, and methodical search techniques.
Search and Rescue: Search Theory – Dive deeper into the planning and strategy behind successful SAR operations. This course explores how searches are organized, how probability and terrain analysis guide search decisions, and how teams coordinate efforts to locate subjects efficiently and safely.
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We meet students where they are. Each level builds on the last.
Course Format & Time Commitment
This course combines classroom learning with real-world exploration of how search and rescue operations are organized and carried out. Students examine the roles of different agencies and teams, the strategies used to locate missing persons, and the decision-making processes that guide SAR missions through discussions, case studies, and practical exercises.
Course length:
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Search and Rescue: Introduction: 3 days
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Search and Rescue: Search Theory: 2 days
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Search and Rescue: Tracking: 3 days
What to expect:
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Classroom discussions on how search and rescue operations are organized and conducted
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Hands-on exercises that explore tracking, search techniques, and field observation
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Analysis of real-world search scenarios and case studies
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Individual and group activities focused on search planning, teamwork, and decision-making
Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
These courses are hands-on and field-based. You won’t just talk about skills, you’ll practice them.
Depending on your level, you’ll work on:
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Understanding how search and rescue teams are organized and operate
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Basic navigation and terrain awareness used during search operations
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Observation and tracking techniques for identifying human sign
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Search planning concepts and how teams prioritize search areas
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Communication and teamwork within SAR operations
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Decision-making and risk management in field environments
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Understanding the roles of different agencies and volunteer teams in SAR
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Evaluating real-world search scenarios and response strategies
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Applying structured search methods and field problem-solving
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Understanding how planning, strategy, and teamwork intersect during SAR missions
What You’ll Learn
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
Search and Rescue: Introduction
CA Residents = $62.00
Non-CA Residents = $596
Search and Rescue: Search Theory
CA Residents = $31.00
Non-CA Residents = $298
Search and Rescue: Tracking
CA Residents = $46.50
Non-CA Residents = $447
Additional Course Fees:
None
When you enroll in our Search and Rescue courses, you’re getting more than instruction time.
Materials You'll Receive:
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WEOL Chapstick
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WEOL Mini Sunscreen
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Mini Hand Sanitizer
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Rite in the Rain Notebook & Mini Pencil
Transportation & Logistics
For portions of the course that take place in the field, WEOL provides transportation whenever possible. Our vehicles allow us to safely shuttle students and equipment to training locations while reducing congestion at trailheads and minimizing environmental impact.
This allows you to focus on learning and practicing search and rescue skills while we handle the logistics responsibly. Transportation is included for scheduled field exercises to keep the experience safe, efficient, and environmentally conscious.
Outdoor Lovers
Who it’s for
Growth Seekers
Outdoor Educators
Aspiring Leaders
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructor
Name and preferred pronouns: Becca Frager (she/her)
Favorite outdoor activities: Search and Rescue trainings and missions!
Rock and ice climbing, Trail running, Snowboarding/Splitboarding
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: My trail runners and climbing harness
Favorite outdoor meal: Breakfast burritos
Course Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. Do I need prior search and rescue experience to enroll?
No prior experience is required. Courses are designed to meet students where they are, from beginner to more advanced skills.
2. Are these courses physically demanding?
Some field exercises involve moderate hiking or terrain navigation. Students should be in reasonable physical condition but skills are taught progressively.
3. Will we go into the field?
Yes, portions of the courses include hands-on field exercises, but not all sessions require leaving campus.
4. What equipment do I need?
Basic outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, and weather-appropriate gear are recommended. Any specialized equipment for field exercises will be provided.
5. Can these courses be applied to volunteer or professional SAR roles
Absolutely. The courses provide foundational skills, field experience, and knowledge applicable to community volunteer teams and professional SAR operations.
Take the Next Step in Search and Rescue
Ready to develop your skills, confidence, and leadership in real-world SAR operations? Join our Search and Rescue courses and gain hands-on experience in navigation, tracking, and search planning under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Sign up today and start your journey toward becoming a skilled and prepared SAR responder.