North Shore Search and Rescue

North Shore Search and Rescue is a not-for-profit charity Volunteer Ground Search and Rescue team.  We are the collective efforts of trained volunteers who share an interest in using their skills, knowledge and experiences to help find lost / missing people and assist in other remote rescue situations.

North Shore Search and Rescue are members of the Ontario Search And Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA) and Search And Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC)

Providing Search and Rescue Services

Our members are given the training to develop and maintain skills required to safely conduct Search and Rescue operations.

North Shore Search and Rescue are activated by Police or an Agency Having Jurisdiction, when qualified Searchers are needed to assist Search and or Rescue operations. Searches can vary from a few hours to several days in a variety of terrain.  Lost/missing people vary from vulnerable children to the elderly, outdoors enthusiasts to leisure hikers alike. 

The strength of North Shore Search and Rescue relies totally on the commitment of our volunteers! As a charity we are dependent upon donations and funding from businesses, organizations, and citizens to support our team and equipment.

Additional Programs

We offer additional training/services to the general public:

• AdventureSmart - We offer training on how to safely enjoy the outdoors. They learn how to prepare prior to departure, how not get lost but what to do should  it happen.
• Hug-a-Tree and Survive –As part of the AdventureSmart program, it teaches children (ages of about 7 to 11 years old) how not to become lost in the woods, and what to do if it should happen.
• Project Lifesaver – An internationally recognized program that is designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the prevalence of wandering or bolting due to a cognitive or emotional condition.

If you are interested, what do you need?

If you have an interest in helping locate lost/missing people, being part of a team of like-minded professionals, the outdoors, you are encouraged to apply.

Applicants are required to:

• Complete an application form
• Provide a resume including existing qualifications and certifications
• Have first aid and CPR training
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Take part in an interview
• Provide a clean criminal record check

What's in it for you?

Free training in a variety of subjects:

• Basic Search And Rescue with opportunities for advanced courses
• Navigation with Map and Compass, GNSS (AKA GPS)
• Various wilderness survival and bushcraft skills

Sound interesting?  Email us for an application join@northshoresearchandrescue.ca

Once qualified what are the expectations?   

As a qualified member, you are given the training to develop the required skills to successfully and safely conduct Search and Rescue operations.

All active searchers will:

• Maintain a current First Aid and CPR certificate 
• Maintain a Basic Level Search and Rescue (BSAR) certificate (yearly) provided by OSARVA (Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association)
• Undergo a criminal record check every three years (free)
• Maintain a minimum of 40 hours per year
• Assist in fundraising
• Attend training, exercises, and searches

There are two training sessions (theory and practical) per unit per month, with additional exercises such as mock search and rescue scenarios. Occasional Joint Exercises with police and other emergency services. 

SEARCHES/ACTIVATIONS: Upon activation by authorities, searchers are called to respond with little or no advanced notice. Active searchers should attend if available.

The areas we cover

Our catchment area ranges from Blind River to North Bay, Cartier to Parry Sound, Killarney and Manitoulin Island. This geographic area (approximately 12,000 square kilometers) encompasses a full-time population in excess of 283,000 people with MANY more seasonal residents & visitors.

In Case of an EMERGENCY

There is no cost for search and rescue services in Canada, there is also no time limit to report a missing person - for lost or missing persons and medical EMERGENCIES call 911. Please note that North Shore Search and Rescue can only be activated for a search by a police or emergency services agency. 

For additional information, contact North Shore Search and Rescue email us at north.shore@nssar.ca.  

Our trails start where others end.