Our Recruitment drive for our 2019 Ground Search And Rescue (GSAR) class is now closed. We are pleased to welcome a fantastic group of 11 new Members in Training (MITs) to our team! SSISAR had a field exercise last Saturday with Regular members putting the new MITs through their paces in performing the 3 methods of searching. Starting off the day with Type I (Initial Response) with a trail search, being re-tasked into a Type II (Sweep Search) and finally finishing off with a Type III (Grid Search). Doing the back to back to back assignments really highlighted the differences in search methods for our MITs, showing the value of each type in different scenarios and time frames. Fortunately the weather was exactly how we like it; “If it’s not raining, It’s not Training”. Good to see so many enthusiastic and happy members out there!
Salt Spring SAR is Recruiting for our 2019 Ground Search & Rescue class! Are you a person who enjoys volunteering your time to helping people and the community? Do you enjoy being in the outdoors? Are you a team player? Do you like to be out at all time of day in darkness and in rain helping those in need? Are you looking to challenge yourself and learn new skills and get training in a variety of search and rescue techniques? We are looking for interested, committed individuals to join our Team! For more details, please check out our Join us section
Falling Autumn leaves make for beautiful hikes this time of year, but they can cover up portions of trails! Make sure to keep a watchful eye for trail markers and always follow the AdventureSmart 3Ts: Trip Planning (Plan your trip, file a trip plan, check weather conditions) Training (Obtain the knowledge an skills before heading out) and always carry The Essentials. Stay safe while enjoying all the amazing beauty our Island has to offer!
On Thursday morning and later in the afternoon, as well, several of our members travelled to Vancouver Island to help our colleagues at Cowichan SAR search for a missing man. For more on the evolving story, please read the update in the Cowichan Valley Citizen UPDATE: Search underway for Benjamin Kilmer, 41
SSISAR had our annual Members In Training (MIT) Survival weekend May 5th-6th on Portland Island. Our MIT class did a fantastic Job putting all their new skills to the test in the real world. Skills Included: Shelter Building Fire lighting Cooking over a Fire Night Searching Orienteering Radio communications Swift-water skills Basket stretcher & Wheel handling Rope work Interviewing Extremely well done MIT Class of 2018: Jane, Brent, Kylie, Conrad, Kurt, Dave & Laurie, you should be very proud of what you have accomplished. Thank you to our regular member instructors (Jason, Kristin, Tudor, Sarah, James, Shasta and Bryan) as well as Ben from Parks Canada for the waterborne transport.
What survival items do you think should be carried in your pack for any outdoor adventure, whether the duration is a few hours or several days? These are the basic survival items you should have in ANY outdoors situation: Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb Fire-making kit – waterproof matches/ lighter, fire starter/candle Signaling device – whistle or mirror Extra food and water (1 litre/person) Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque) Navigation/communication aids First aid kit—know how to use it Emergency shelter Pocket knife Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat) For more details see AdventureSmart – The Essentials.
Thanks, everybody, for all your help recruiting. We have a basement classroom filled with fine new Members In Training.
Salt Spring Search and Rescue is now recruiting. A new training session starts in January 2018. Contact us for more information.
Contact:
Salt Spring Search and Rescue
261 Fulford-Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island BC V8K 2K6
Phone: (250) 526-0095
Email: president@ssisar.org
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