The team name is sometimes misleading, as it implies that the team only operates in Surrey, however the area of coverage also includes Delta, White Rock, and Richmond which are comprised of suburban and rural areas, inland waterways, and extensive shorelines. The team is activated by and responds to the direction of the Surrey and White Rock RCMP and the Delta Police and is called upon as a resource when there is a need for additional trained manpower.

Over the years, the team has grown into about 40 active members who come from all walks of life, but share a common interest in providing an important life saving service to the public, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Other services or roles the Surrey Search and Rescue team provide can include; assisting the policing agencies and the BC Ambulance Service in the search and rescue of missing and injured persons, assisting municipal fire departments in the rescue of trapped or injured persons, assisting policing agencies and the Provincial Coroner's Service in body recovery operations, and assisting municipal, provincial, and federal agencies in search, rescue, and communications.

Through mutual aid agreements, Surrey Search and Rescue members are available to provide backup assistance to other Lower Mainland Search and Rescue teams. In turn, these other teams can be called into Surrey to assist in major operations. The team takes pride in offering and promoting education in outdoor recreational safety, first aid, and search and rescue techniques throughout the year to schools, youth groups and at community events.

Although they are volunteers, the life saving services provided by the members of the Surrey Search and Rescue team requires that they maintain the standards of unpaid professional in assisting municipal, provincial, and federal agencies. This professional level is maintained by having each Surrey Search and Rescue team member complete an extensive training course, including both theory and practical. The training takes places weekly, plus at least one weekend per month, over a 6-8 month period. They are required to attend at least 60% of the training and must complete both a written and practical exam. From this point forward, members are expected to continuously sharpen their skills and initiate the task of learning new ones.

Team members must possess knowledge and experience in local parks and mountains, as the greatest percentage of the Team's operations are in these areas. They must have a home and employment situation that will allow full participation in training, search and rescue operations, fundraising and other team activities. Over and above these various skills and requirements, a strong desire and an unprecedented dedication to do this type of community service.