Search and Rescue

I thought GYC Board might be interested in this event. I heard about it through CPS.
Elaine Mundle

Hi Folks

One of the aviation organizations that I belong to down in Wiarton has been in contact with RCAF 424 Squadron, SAR (Search and Rescue) out of RCAF Trenton, Ontario for the purpose of running a Search and Rescue seminar for pilots and boaters at Wiarton Airport. The invitation was timely, as it turns out that the squadron has been given limited funding from the Ottawa-based Search and Rescue Secretariat, to run seminars within Trenton’s designated area, which is, Quebec, Ontario and Nunavut, from April 2015 to March 2016. Capt. Andrew Pohran ACSO 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron has expressed enthusiasm for coming and doing this, but we need participation.

In order for SAR to bring a seminar into this area, it is necessary that we have a strong turnout of the aviation and boating public. It has been noted, and I’m sure you are aware, that most of SAR’s activities in the Lake Huron/Georgian Bay region involves locating and assisting boaters who have gotten into difficulty. Therefore, we are looking for participation from marinas, yacht clubs, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, and other boating groups. The seminars are basically aviation-oriented, but SAR is quite willing to modify their presentation to include marine participation. They would have one of their C-130 SAR Hercules on site, and would do a one-hour PowerPoint presentation, followed by a question/answer period, and a ground tour and explanation of the C-130. There will be refreshments provided.

This event is in its initial stages of planning, but it appears the date would be sometime in March 2016, a month or so before boating season. This is an important event for boaters, because I’m embarrassed to say that many of the SAR activities that I have observed while working at the Aviation Weather Station at Wiarton Airport, were the result of what could only be called boater stupidity, and when one thinks of the cost and risk that goes into these SAR missions over somebody’s bone-headed actions, it is indeed embarrassing.

Although this is in the very early stages of planning, I would like to have as big an interest response from all of you, and whether you would be interested in attending yourselves, and also spreading the word around your local marina and/or yacht club. I realize it is a bit of a drive for some of you, but this event could be important to you.

Brian Reis