Every GATER is well trained and prepared.

Training begins with basic backcountry navigation and survival. Once comfortable in the wilderness, volunteers are able to select advanced training in areas like winter and swift water rescue. Further training is offered in flood and fire rescue.

Wilderness Mobility

Rapid wilderness mobility is critical to successful search and rescue operations. GATERS learn to move quickly where there are no roads.

Basic Wilderness Training

Every GATER needs to be comfortable in the wilderness: navigation, survival, cooking, backpacking, and gear maintenance are essentials.

Wilderness First Aid

Once comfortable in the wild, GATERS receive their first aid training and certification. This training is provided by an expert community partner.

Advanced Outdoor Training

GATERS learn wilderness, water, and winter rescue in their advanced training. Successful volunteers are selected for disaster training like flood and fire rescue.

Trainings for GATERS

Below is a list of training programs each GATER is offered, in order, to become better prepared for search and rescue, emergency response, and disaster relief.

Wilderness Mobility
Wilderness Skills

  1. Wilderness navigation and orienteering

  2. Backpacking and distance hiking 101

  3. Backcountry camping

  4. Wilderness survival

Wilderness Medicine

  1. Introduction to paddling and portaging

  2. River paddling and white water intro

  3. Mountain biking and bike-packing in the wilderness

  4. Climbing basics and vertical ascent

  1. Wilderness First Aid

  2. Wilderness First Responder

  3. Light Search and Rescue

Advanced Training

  1. Advanced Search and Rescue

  2. Swift water rescue 1 and 2

  3. Low/Steep angle rescue

  4. Winter rescue (including falling through ice)

Disaster Response and Assistance (CERT)

  1. Fire response and safety

  2. Trauma and disaster operations

  3. Disaster operations with medical

A group of people wearing blue T-shirts with the words 'Ocean Cleanup Group' engaged in a beach cleanup. They are holding large white garbage bags to collect trash. The background features trees and a cloudy sky, creating a natural environment.
A group of people wearing blue T-shirts with the words 'Ocean Cleanup Group' engaged in a beach cleanup. They are holding large white garbage bags to collect trash. The background features trees and a cloudy sky, creating a natural environment.

Gallery

Explore our team's dedication to rescue and conservation efforts.

A group of young people, mostly wearing blue and black uniforms, are gathered outdoors. They are sitting and standing on a sandy area surrounded by trees. Some individuals are holding papers, suggesting a group activity or discussion. Nearby, there are blue and yellow buildings and a metal shelter with more people sitting underneath.
A group of young people, mostly wearing blue and black uniforms, are gathered outdoors. They are sitting and standing on a sandy area surrounded by trees. Some individuals are holding papers, suggesting a group activity or discussion. Nearby, there are blue and yellow buildings and a metal shelter with more people sitting underneath.
A rescue helicopter is flying above a grassy terrain. The helicopter is primarily white, orange, and blue, with 'RESCUE' and 'COAST GUARD' markings visible on its side.
A rescue helicopter is flying above a grassy terrain. The helicopter is primarily white, orange, and blue, with 'RESCUE' and 'COAST GUARD' markings visible on its side.
A traffic emergency patrol officer stands on a street facing a large, gathered crowd behind safety barriers. The crowd appears to be at an event or parade during sunset, with a van nearby and silhouettes of large trees in the background.
A traffic emergency patrol officer stands on a street facing a large, gathered crowd behind safety barriers. The crowd appears to be at an event or parade during sunset, with a van nearby and silhouettes of large trees in the background.
A city street with emergency responders gathered around. Several people in orange uniforms, possibly emergency medical technicians, interact with others on the scene. Police officers are present, as well as police vehicles and a motorcycle. The street is lined with tall, European-style buildings, and it appears to be a wet day, suggesting recent rain.
A city street with emergency responders gathered around. Several people in orange uniforms, possibly emergency medical technicians, interact with others on the scene. Police officers are present, as well as police vehicles and a motorcycle. The street is lined with tall, European-style buildings, and it appears to be a wet day, suggesting recent rain.
A group of young people is standing in a forest clearing, with trees in the background. They are casually dressed, wearing shorts and t-shirts, and appear to be participating in an outdoor activity or camp. Some are looking down while others face forward.
A group of young people is standing in a forest clearing, with trees in the background. They are casually dressed, wearing shorts and t-shirts, and appear to be participating in an outdoor activity or camp. Some are looking down while others face forward.
GATERS Search and Rescue

Dedicated volunteers for emergency, disaster, and conservation services.

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