>While one of the main goals of the hikeSafe program is to reduce the number of rescues necessary in the Sierra Nevada and surrounding backcountry areas in California, accidents do happen. In these unfortunate situations, Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue, along with other volunteer rescue groups, are always prepared to conduct rescues.
In California search and rescue scenarios, the local Sheriff's office is the lead agency and is in charge of coordinating the rescue efforts. Typically, search and rescue crews in Mono County are made up of volunteer members of the Mono County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team assisted when necessary by other volunteer and professional rescue personnel who venture into the backcountry in order to find lost and injured hikers. Organizations who assist the Mono County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team include:
Many times these individuals are putting themselves at personal risk in order to find someone who has perhaps used poor judgment and stumbled into a dangerous situation, especially when there is a severe weather situation.
Hikers in California are not charged for rescues. However, the local County Sheriff may bill the County Sheriff in the hikers county of residence.