"…My foot lost its traction on the wet, slimy rock as I fell on all fours…My body slid out of control towards the base of the upper falls. Before I even let out a scream, I plunged into the roaring rapids…Submerged in the water for no longer than a few seconds, I was tossed onto a rock that was right in the middle of the rapids only yards away from the first drop off of the waterfall. I stood praying for a rescue and thanking the Almighty that I was given a chance. For several hours in hypothermic conditions, I waited.
My positive and optimistic feelings started to drift away until the rescue crew appeared. Their energy awakened me and gave me a new sense of hope…I regretted not staying on the main trail as I tearfully watched these people risk their most precious gift for me. Their courageous efforts are the reasons why I am here right now."
-Anonymous SAR victim, 1996

Each year, an average of 150 visitors are lost, injured or die in the rugged environment of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) was established in the 1960s to respond to these emergencies with a cadre of trained professionals. Today the YOSAR team is comprised of Park Rangers, SAR siters, SAR interns and other community members.

In any given week, team members may be crossing a swollen stream toward a stranded boater, rappelling from a helicopter to a severely ill climber, or extracting an unconscious person from a wrecked vehicle. The majority of the YOSAR missions (roughly 60%) involve hikers, either ones who have become lost in the wilderness or injured on the trails. The duration and complexity of these missions can range from a month-long, $50,000 effort to a two-hour, two-person assist. Approximately ten percent of YOSAR missions involve climbing accidents. Often, these rescues attract the most attention because they are coupled with risky exposure and technical challenges. The remaining SARs are as varied as the activities in Yosemite.

This web page was designed to provide the answers to questions you might have regarding YOSAR's employment opportunities, funding, and statistics. If you have suggestions or questions, please feel free to contact us.