The Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit is an all-volunteer wilderness search and rescue (SAR) unit, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We search for and assist people who are lost or stranded anywhere outdoors in California. BAMRU is an accredited member of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) and is a FEMA and California OES Type I search and rescue resource.
Founded in 1971, BAMRU is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal ID 23-7098709) with over 45 years of service to our community. As one of the first search and rescue teams in the state of California to be accredited by the Mountain Rescue Association, we hold a proud and rich history of supporting the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office with competence and professionalism. From its origins as a small group of climbers, to its current robust unit with varying outdoor skillsets, our unit is equipped to respond to missions throughout the state of California through the mutual aid system.
BAMRU members include experienced outdoor enthusiasts and medical and outdoor professionals. The diversity of our membership allows us to cross train and work safely and comfortably in challenging and austere wilderness situations. We live all over the greater Bay Area and have roots from across the country and the globe. Because of demonstrated effectiveness working across multiple organizations, BAMRU has garnered a strong reputation for cross-team collaboration and mutual aid support.
BAMRU operates under the oversight of the San Mateo County’s Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Division, Emergency Services Bureau / Office of Emergency Services. As a Mountain Rescue Association accredited team, BAMRU must undergo annual reaccreditation in the following disciplines: Technical Rock Rescue, Snow and Ice Rescue, and Wilderness Search Management. We are a California Office of Emergency Services (OES) Type 1 resource and we are ready and able to help anyone on any type of terrain in California.
BAMRU is a part of the San Mateo County’s Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Division, Emergency Services Bureau / Office of Emergency Services but can be activated for operations anywhere in California. Places we train include but are not limited to the Santa Cruz mountains, Yosemite, and throughout the Sierra mountains to prepare for the variety of conditions we can encounter.
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal ID 23-7098709). Our members volunteer their own time and absorb personal equipment expenses for training and searches. Through the generous support from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and generous donors like you, we are able to acquire team rescue equipment. No payment is expected from those who benefit from our services although donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.