Lions Bay Search and Rescue

Lions Bay Search and Rescue LBSAR is a Volunteer Search & Rescue team operating primarily between Horseshoe Bay and Porteau Cove, BC Canada.

Lions Bay SAR is a volunteer search and rescue team that operates under EMBC. We operate primarily in the area between Horseshoe Bay and Porteau Cove and also commonly assist in mutual aid with other local search and rescue organizations. Page is not monitored 24/7, please call 911 for emergencies.

At approximately 5:10 p.m. yesterday, Lions Bay Search and Rescue was tasked to assist a 64-year-old solo female hiker o...
06/22/2026

At approximately 5:10 p.m. yesterday, Lions Bay Search and Rescue was tasked to assist a 64-year-old solo female hiker on Mount Unnecessary who had become exhausted and was unable to re-ascend the fixed rope section on the trail.

Due to the subject's location and condition, rescue crews were inserted by helicopter and safely assisted her from the mountain. She was transported to Lions Bay School field, where the rescue was successfully concluded.

As we move into the first days of summer and temperatures continue to rise, LBSAR would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of the risks of dehydration and heat-related illness. The Howe Sound Crest Trail and surrounding alpine routes are notorious for having limited water sources, and many streams and seasonal trickles are already beginning to dry up and can no longer be relied upon.

If you're planning a hike, be sure to carry plenty of water for yourself and any pets accompanying you. Consider bringing electrolyte supplements and plan your route with water availability in mind. If you begin to feel dizzy, light-headed, unusually fatigued, or develop symptoms of heat exhaustion, stop, find shade, cool down, hydrate, and turn back.

LBSAR also strongly recommends hiking with a partner or group whenever possible. Having someone with you can make a significant difference if an injury, illness, or unexpected situation occurs on the trail. At a minimum, always leave a trip plan with a trusted friend or family member and let them know when you expect to return.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue responded to a call involving a 20-year-old male who sustained a shoulder dislocation while ...
06/16/2026

Lions Bay Search and Rescue responded to a call involving a 20-year-old male who sustained a shoulder dislocation while cliff jumping.

Working alongside our partners at RCM-SAR, crews were able to safely reach the subject, assist him from the water, and transport him to Horseshoe Bay where BC Emergency Health Services took over patient care.

Due to the nature of the injury, our team physician reduced the dislocated shoulder on scene, allowing the subject to be safely transferred into the rescue vessel for transport.

Thank you to all responding agencies for the teamwork and professionalism that helped bring this incident to a successful conclusion.

On May 20, 2026, Lions Bay Search and Rescue was tasked to assist in the search for Stewart McLean.Search operations beg...
05/22/2026

On May 20, 2026, Lions Bay Search and Rescue was tasked to assist in the search for Stewart McLean.

Search operations began at approximately 9:00 a.m. and involved seven search zones throughout the Lions Bay area, including Crystal Falls, Tunnel Point, Brunswick Beach, Magnesia Creek, and surrounding drainages. Search teams utilized ground searchers, drone operations for cliff and complex terrain assessment, and requested assistance from Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue to conduct shoreline and waterline searches.

During the operation, search teams located suspicious evidence and immediately transferred the investigation back to Squamish RCMP for further investigation. The case is now being led by Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, coworkers, and community members impacted by this tragic loss.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact:

IHIT
24/7 Information Line: 1-877-551-4448
Email: [email protected]

Anonymous Tips: Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

Squamish RCMP
604-892-6100

🚨 MISSING PERSON 🚨This is the most recent photo of Stewart McLean.Description: • Age: 40 • Height: 5’10” • Weight: 150 l...
05/20/2026

🚨 MISSING PERSON 🚨

This is the most recent photo of Stewart McLean.

Description:
• Age: 40
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 150 lbs
• Eyes: Blue
• Hair: Brown (currently shaved off)
• Shoe Size: Men’s 9–10 sneakers
• No tattoos
• Smoker

If you have seen Stewart, heard from him, or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Constable Terrence Sielsky with the RCMP at 604-892-6100.

File Number: 26-3826

Lions Bay SAR is being tasked to start a search tomorrow morning

Please share to help bring Stewart home safely.

Lion’s Bay Search and Rescue was dispatched for four hikers stuck on the Mount Brunswick Trail in steep, snowy, and slip...
05/17/2026

Lion’s Bay Search and Rescue was dispatched for four hikers stuck on the Mount Brunswick Trail in steep, snowy, and slippery conditions.

A team was dropped in by helicopter and hiked to the subjects. Due to the time of day, temperature, and cloud line, the decision was made to request assistance from North Shore Rescue for a hoist extraction. All subjects were hoisted out and taken down to Lions Bay.

This incident serves as another reminder that Mount Brunswick is still under winter conditions and is not suitable for travel in running shoes. Proper footwear and winter mountain gear is needed for this route.

For all hikers, having the proper gear for your trip is essential. This should include food and water, proper footwear, headlamp and batteries, cellphone and charger, and warm layers regardless of elevation. Hikers are also encouraged to research the current conditions as part of their trip planning process, as well as the time needed to complete the hike before dark.
Check out AdventureSmart for trip planning resources.

Thank you to North Shore Rescue for their assistance with this call.

UPDATE: The subjects are safe with the LBSAR team and are currently being extracted from the mountain.LBSAR is currently...
05/17/2026

UPDATE: The subjects are safe with the LBSAR team and are currently being extracted from the mountain.

LBSAR is currently responding to Mount Brunswick for four stuck hikers.

This Mother’s Day, we recognize the incredible moms in Search and Rescue.SAR moms balance family, work, and service — of...
05/11/2026

This Mother’s Day, we recognize the incredible moms in Search and Rescue.

SAR moms balance family, work, and service — often leaving at a moment’s notice to help others. They lead, support, and show what it means to give back to their communities.

To all the SAR moms — thank you for everything you do, both at home and on the mountain.

Happy Mother’s Day 💛

Lion’s Bay Search and Rescue was dispatched for a 17-year-old male who sustained a serious leg injury while descending f...
05/10/2026

Lion’s Bay Search and Rescue was dispatched for a 17-year-old male who sustained a serious leg injury while descending from the West Lion lookout area, just past Harvey Creek.

The subject was hiking with a friend when he jumped down approximately 5 feet from a rock, landing awkwardly and suffering a non-weight-bearing lower leg injury.

Due to the nature of the injury, North Shore Rescue was requested for helicopter support and a hoist extraction.

Lions Bay SAR packaged the subject and stretchered him down trail to a more favourable area.

The subject was successfully hoisted, flown to the Lion’s Bay school field, and transferred into the care of BC Ambulance Services.

We thank all our partnering agencies for their rapid response and support.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue was dispatched on May 5 for two stranded trail runners below the West Lion in steep, technic...
05/07/2026

Lions Bay Search and Rescue was dispatched on May 5 for two stranded trail runners below the West Lion in steep, technical terrain along the Howe Sound Crest Trail.

An initial helicopter attempt to access the subjects was unsuccessful due to a very low cloud ceiling, rain, and rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. With heli access no longer possible, LBSAR members transitioned to a ground-based mountain rescue operation.

At approximately 1:00 a.m., rescuers made voice contact with the stranded runners. Over the next several hours, members navigated difficult terrain, establishing fixed lines and technical traverses to safely reach and secure the subjects. Once accessed, the runners were harnessed and moved through exposed terrain back toward the Howe Sound Crest Trail ridge.

A second helicopter extraction attempt was later made, however worsening weather and rain once again prevented any aerial extraction.

Before beginning the long descent out of the alpine, the team took a short pause to warm up, regroup, and prepare for the continued overnight operation.

Rescuers and subjects finally arrived back in Lions Bay at approximately 9:30 a.m. the following morning.

This incident serves as another important reminder that the Howe Sound Crest Trail remains under full winter conditions and is not suitable for unprepared travel in trail runners. The trail is commonly considered closed during the winter season due to snow, ice, exposure, and hazardous terrain.

Anyone attempting this route should be properly equipped and experienced for winter mountain travel, including carrying:

• Mountaineering boots
• Crampons
• Ice axe
• Warm insulating layers
• Emergency overnight gear
• Navigation and communication equipment

Before heading into the backcountry, hikers are encouraged to research current conditions and review trip planning resources through AdventureSmart.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) responded to a call involving an injured hiker with a sprained ankle on the Brunswic...
05/05/2026

Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) responded to a call involving an injured hiker with a sprained ankle on the Brunswick Trail.

A group of four hikers had set out on a challenging hike toward Mount Brunswick. Approximately 2 km below the summit, one member of the group sustained a sprained ankle after stepping on loose rock. Recognizing the injury, the group made the decision to turn around and begin descending.

An initial response team was first to reach the subject and conducted an initial assessment. The subject was fitted with a walking boot in an attempt to assist with mobility. However, after some time, the subject continued to experience significant pain and was unable to safely continue under their own power.

A second team arrived with a stretcher, and the decision was made to transition to a carry-out. The subject was packaged and transported down the trail, including a careful crossing of Magnesia Creek, before being brought to waiting rescue vehicles.

This incident highlights the importance of proper footing and caution on loose terrain, particularly on steep and technical trails such as Brunswick.

This marks the third call this week involving similar circumstances. In each case, inadequate footwear has been a contributing factor. LBSAR reminds hikers that proper footwear is essential on steep, loose, and technical terrain, particularly on routes like Brunswick.

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