About YSAR

Why only 20 members?
The YSAR intake each year is restricted to 20 to ensure all members get the assistance they need to have a reasonable chance of graduating.

What happens if I have to drop out?
We expect that some people will drop out during the year. That is fine by us as we understand that people's priorities change. We sincerely hope that the training gained during your time with us will have been fun and that the training was of value to you. We especially hope that you will have learned to enjoy being in the bush.

At the end of the initial training, during June, there is a written test. Will I have to leave YSAR if I fail it?
Yes. However you can apply to sit the test again within two weeks and/or you can apply to join again next year.

Are the Police involved in YSAR?
Yes. The local Police SAR Squads are very supportive of the YSAR Groups and will assist with some of the training.

Will my YSAR membership help me to get a job when I leave school?
We believe so. Your YSAR graduation will prove that you can make a serious commitment and stick with it. This should help you when you apply for a job.

Will I be allowed out of school to help on a search?
When you graduate we will help you to negotiate with your school principle for permission to leave school whenever there is a SAR callout. Of course this will include helping to get permission for you to carry your pager at all times (except during physical education) while at school.

Will I be able to use my own car for YSAR activities?
Yes, however you will not be permitted to take other YSAR members as passengers when travelling to/from YSAR camps.

Is YSAR just for guys?
No. We know from our experience that girls can be as good as and often better than the guys at all aspects of Search and Rescue. Each application for membership of YSAR is considered the same regardless of the gender of the applicant.

What is the connection of YSAR with the local SAR Group?
The YSAR committee will have at least one representative from the local SAR Group and vice versa. Both organisations have busy training schedules so as much as possible the management and fundraising processes will be kept separate.

Is there a national body for SAR?
Yes. YSAR and local SAR Groups are all affiliated to the national body called NZ Land SAR.

Is there a uniform?
Yes. We issue a high vis vest to each member to wear during camps - for safety reasons. We also have a casual shirt available for purchase by members.

Do I get automatic membership of the local SAR Group when I graduate?
No. The local SAR Group committee has the final say on membership, however we expect all YSAR graduates to be accepted as our standard for graduation is so high.