Come and search with us.
We welcome applications from all walks of life. You don’t need experience. We train you, from your first weekend with the team to your first call-out.
From first weekend to full member
The next selection weekend has not been scheduled yet. Register your interest and we will let you know as soon as there is a date.
Selection weekend
Spend a weekend with the team. We see how you work with others; you see what the job really involves.
Trainee, about six months
Learn the core skills: navigation, search techniques, Basic Life Support, radios, call-out discipline and hazard awareness.
First call-outs
Once you are ready you are invited to some call-outs, working alongside experienced members.
Full member
After a review period of up to a year, full membership may be granted. Cliff and water sections are by invitation.
What you will learn first
As a trainee you work through the core competencies every operational member needs before going on call-outs.
- Navigation
- Personal equipment
- Personal health
- Basic Life Support
- Search techniques
- Water margin hazards
- Helicopter safety
- Steep ground hazards
- Call-out discipline
- Casualty site discipline
- Radios
Four ways to be part of the team
Search
Our largest section, and the one with the most call-outs. Every operational member is a searcher.
Cliff and technical
A smaller, specialised section that often stands by or works alongside other teams. By invitation.
Water
Bankside searchers and Swift Water Rescue Technicians. By invitation, once you are a full search member.
Fundraisers
Associate members who raise the money that keeps us going. Not on call, and open to anyone aged 18 or over.
Email the fundraising team
Before you apply
Does it cost anything to be rescued?
No. Our members are unpaid volunteers and we never charge the people we help or their families. The team is paid for by donations.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No. We welcome applications from all walks of life and train you throughout. You start at a selection weekend, then spend around six months as a trainee learning the core skills.
Can I help without going on call-outs?
Yes. Fundraising members are associate members who help raise the money that keeps us going. They are not on call. You need to be 18 or over.
