Preventative Search & Rescue

The Preventative Search and Rescue Team has been an important program to help increase visitor safety and reduce emergency calls. 

Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) plays a vital role in the safety of visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. By proactively educating visitors and bringing awareness to common dangers, and keeping an eye out for visitors in need of assistance at the Dune Climb and the Lake Michigan Overlook on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, they reduce the need for park rangers and local first responders to be called to render aid.

In 2014 when the PSAR program was established, there were 31 search and rescues and 56 calls to 911 at the Dune Climb and Lake Michigan Overlook from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Through the work of Park staff and PSAR volunteers, the number of calls have diminished each year. In 2023, that number was reduced to 11 search and rescues and 7 calls to 911 in that same time period. 

31 down to 11
Search & Rescues

In addition to volunteers, the Friends also creates, installs, and repairs critical safety and visitation signage through the Park, an important part of prevention for lost persons. You can support these efforts by donating to the Friends. 

PSAR By The Numbers 2023

For the second year in a row, PSAR volunteers made contact with more than 30,000 Park visitors. 

preventative search and rescue volunteer speaking with a mother and child at pierce stocking number 9 dune lookout

30,000

From the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a significant reduction since the program was established in 2014.

11 Search & Rescues

Of the calls to 911, four were initiated by PSAR volunteers who made early contact with those visitors, greatly reducing the amount of time between the incident and the arrival of first responders.  

7 - 911 Calls

preventative search and rescue volunteer at the bottom of the dune climb

Firsts

For the very first time, PSAR volunteers were deployed to the Glen Haven area beaches during a dangerous water warning to warn visitors of the increased danger in the water due to wave and current conditions.

In 2023, PSAR volunteers participated in Dune Safety Day in partnership with park rangers and the Glen Arbor Fire Department. The volunteers also had an info tent during National Trails Day, and provided support for the M22 Challenge, Glen Arbor Fire Department Open House, and the Glen Arbor Half Marathon.

Also for the first time, CPR/AED/First Aid certification was made available to PSAR volunteers with training conducted by the Park Service

Preventative Search and Rescue volunteer in bright orange shirt speaking with visitor at the bottom of the dune climb area

PSAR Volunteer Duties

Volunteers and Park staff will be stationed at the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Drive Lake Michigan Overlook during peak use times.

It is important to note PSAR volunteers are not tasked with search and rescue work. PSAR volunteers are trained to educate visitors about the safety issues they may face at these two popular spots in the park. Volunteers and Park staff provide advice on appropriate planning, protective clothing, and more helpful information to park visitors.

We are looking for outgoing volunteers who have a love and knowledge of the Park. There is a role for everybody on the PSAR team.

To learn more about becoming a PSAR volunteer

1st
complete the Volunteer Registration  and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to answer questions and get you registered with the Friends

2nd
Our Volunteer Coordinator will forward you on to the Adopt A Trail program manager who will take you through a quick orientation. You will get the materials you will need including an annual pass, volunteer vest, trail map, SLBE park map, and Tree Reporting and Emergency Contact Card

3rd
Report your time and observations in the PSAR Patrol Log