So others may live.
Our Mission
The Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue team is a highly trained, not for profit organization providing support to police agencies of jurisdiction in the form of equipment and trained search and rescue personnel. GBVSAR has search and rescue business relationships with Central OPP, Barrie Police Services, Midland Police Services and South Simcoe Police Services.
A Brief History
The Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue Team (GBVSAR) was established in 1998 and joined with 18 other volunteer Search and Rescue teams in Ontario under the Ontario Volunteer Search and Rescue Association (OSARVA). Like other SAR teams in Ontario, GBVSAR provides police and other agencies with professional volunteers in the form of highly trained and equipped search and rescue personnel who are available 24/7.
Training Program
The GBVSAR training program ensures that each member is prepared and trained above the certification set out by Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association and the Ontario Provincial Police. The team trains on various topics such as search patterns, clue awareness, compass, ropes, and knots, map reading and GPS. GBVSAR has approximately 40 volunteer members, most of whom provide much of their own equipment necessary for their search pack. Other key items such as our command post, rescue gear, and insurance are paid for through local fundraising efforts.
Other Work
GBVSAR also provides various public awareness programs such as Adventure Smart – Hug A Tree and Survive program to interested schools or children’s groups. GBVSAR also participates with Kids Printz and is highly involved within the community promoting outdoor safety at various community events around Simcoe County and beyond.
If you would like further information about GBVSAR and how you can become a member, please contact us.