SAR Prevention

Some argue that prevention is the keystone to Canada's national search and rescue program (NSP). Everyone certainly agrees that preventing a SAR incident in the first place is preferable to responding to one.

The truth is that many SAR incidents can be avoided if those involved plan their activities carefully and prepare for unforeseen weather and mishaps. Getting the right training can be critical.

All kinds of organizations across Canada offer prevention education. For instance, Transport Canada runs the Office of Boating Safety; the Canadian Avalanche Association publishes regular avalanche bulletins; the Canadian Ski Patrol has been promoting safe skiing for more than 60 years, the Lifesaving Society has been teaching water safety for more than 100 years, and the RCMP's Hug-A-Tree and Survive program teaches children how not to get lost in the woods and what to do if they do become lost.

From coast to coast to coast, the prevention message is getting through.

… More on prevention

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