Southern Arizona Rescue Association
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SARA is a non-profit, all-volunteer search and rescue organization serving southern Arizona and Pima County since 1958.
SARA members are volunteers from all walks of life, donating their time, skills and enthusiasm to provide a vital service to the public.
09/17/2026
We had a very special guest attend our September monthly meeting.
Our patient from a recent call came back to tell his story and thank our team. Brent was hiking near Lower Tanque Verde Falls when he slipped and suffered an injury that prevented him from walking out of the field. Teams from SARA and Rural Metro hiked in to assess and a DPS helicopter flew him to the hospital for medical care. Despite being in a scary situation, Brent maintained a positive attitude and even cracked a couple jokes during his rescue.
No matter how experienced or prepared we are, hikes may not always go as planned. SAR exists so we can help one another when the unexpected occurs. A huge thank you to Brent for coming back to share his story!
09/11/2026
This morning members of Southern Arizona Rescue Association and the PCSD Search and Rescue unit completed the 9/11 Tower Challenge in the Tucson Convention Center. The Tower Challenge is done to honor the first responders who lost their lives on 9/11/2001. The World Trade Center’s Twin Towers each consisted of 110 floors and 2071 steps, and firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and community members walk or run the steps to remember.
Thank you to all first responders and military members who protect us from foreign and domestic threats.
#911
09/09/2026
We want to take a moment to thank Pima County Board of Supervisors for their continued support and partnership with SARA.
When someone is lost, injured, or stranded in our desert or mountain terrain, every minute counts. The collaboration with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and support of Pima County ensures that our all-volunteer rescue team has the specialized equipment and resources needed to answer the call - day or night.
Thank you to all who support our mission. We are grateful for the continued opportunity to serve our community through our work.
Pima County
09/04/2026
Search and rescue is kinda chic!
There are many moments worth romanticizing in SAR, from special moments like getting flown into the field via helicopter down to the everyday tasks such as getting ready to respond to a call.
The Southern Arizona Rescue Association was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for two calls this weekend.
8-22-2026 SARA was requested for the rescue of two individuals who had run out of water and daylight near Hutch’s Pools as a thunderstorm was approaching. Teams hiked in, met the individuals near Hutch’s Pools, rehydrated them, and walked them out of the field.
8-23-2026 SARA was requested for the rescue of a member of a party of five with heat exhaustion on the Bear Canyon Trail near 7 Falls. Teams loaded up their packs with fluids and began the hike up the canyon. On the way, teams encountered two additional groups of people in need of assistance. In total, 1 individual was flown out and 12 were hiked out after being treated for heat exhaustion.
Remember that it is still summertime and monsoon season in Southern Arizona. Temperatures are high and even hotter on trails with little shade or in canyons that trap heat. If you must hike, do so early in the morning on short trails you know well and can easily bail out on. Do not continue to hike past mid morning and do not rely on the evening to hike, as storms may roll in. Always check the weather forecast and bring more water than you think you need.
8-1-26 the Southern Arizona Rescue Association was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue of person who fell in Tanque Verde Canyon below the main falls. The subject had an injury that prevented walking out and was not a good candidate for a ground evac. Teams of SARA and Rural Metro hiked in to access and assess the patient. Due to the injury, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter was requested. The patient was hoisted out and flown to the hospital for medical care.
Rescues of fall injures are common in this area where people are hiking down canyon from the main falls. We encourage hikers to be especially careful when navigating the rocks along the canyon.
SARA's services are always free. Please do not hesitate to call 911 and ask for Search and Rescue if you are in need of assistance.
07/23/2026
7-22-26 The Southern Arizona Rescue Association was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue of a Tanque Verde Falls area hiker who had slipped and injured their leg. Due to the location, a helicopter hoist was used to get the subject to definitive care.
Please remember SARA's services are always free. If in need of assistance, don't hesitate, dial 911 and ask for Search and Rescue.
Our second and final new member orientation for the year is next Thursday, July 23rd at 7 PM at the SARA House, located in the Sabino Canyon overflow lot. Attending an orientation is the first step (and mandatory) in the process of joining SARA. There, you will learn about our trainings, meet members, and gain access to the application. We hope to see you next week!
This morning, the Southern Arizona Rescue Association walked in the Mount Lemmon Fourth of July parade, passing out Gatorade and candy. We hope you have a fun and safe 4th of July!
06/22/2026
6-21-26 the was requested by the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the rescue of a child who had twisted their ankle and could not walk out. A hasty team hiked in to assess the child while a second team brought a stokes basket in. The child was given medical care and carried out to the trailhead using the wheeled stokes basket. Some of the rescue team remained with the parent for the hike out. Because of the extended amount of time for the rescue, the parent began to suffer heat issues, and it was determined that they would also need medical intervention and a stokes carry to the trailhead. Both were transferred to an ambulance for further care.
Remember! SARA is always free.
Call 9-1-1 at the first sign of heat issues. Please do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1 and ask for Search and Rescue if you are in need of help.
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Address
5990 N Sabino Canyon Road
Tucson, AZ
85750