MONTREAL, QUEBEC - On Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25, 2014, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will participate in search and rescue exercises together with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA), the Ontario Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron out of 8 Wing Trenton.
The exercises will take place Saturday, May 24th on Lake Ontario near Port Weller and the 50 Point Conservation Area and Marina. On Sunday, May 25th, the exercises will take place near Port Colborne and the Sugarloaf Marina in the eastern part of Lake Erie.
The exercises are designed specifically to engage marine and air search and rescue personnel and technology in a real-time operational response to emergency situations. Exercises may be modified as required due to operational needs and the public should not be alarmed by the presence of rescue vessels and/or aircraft operating in these areas.
Search and rescue in Canada is a shared responsibility that involves several federal departments as well as many non-federal authorities, provinces, territories and municipalities, assisted by the work of thousands of dedicated volunteers. The purpose of maritime emergency exercises is to test our shared response to potential maritime distress incidents in the area. These exercises provide an important opportunity for the participants to train together, using available assets and personnel. Search and rescue training is an essential component of our maritime operations, and the safety of Canadians.
The Canadian Coast Guard would also like to inform the public that seasonal Search and Rescue Bases in Ontario are open and fully operational and openings coincide annually with the start of the boating season. Stations are located at Kingston, Cobourg, Port Weller, Port Dover, Amherstburg, Goderich, Tobermory, Meaford, and Thunder Bay. Seasonal bases are part of the larger network of CCG stations in Canada and are strategically located to provide rapid assistance and reduce the number and severity of maritime incidents and risks to the environment.
CCG search and rescue capacity on the Great Lakes is also supported through the In-shore Rescue Boat (IRB) Program with IRB stations located at Britt on Gereaux Island, Brebeuf Island, Port Lambton, Long Point, Hill Island, Thames River.
The CCG reminds the public that water temperatures are very cold at this time of year and advises all boaters to wear an appropriate life jacket or personal floatation device.
Search and Rescue coordination services are available 24/7. Anyone witnessing or involved in a real maritime distress or emergency situation should immediately contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre at 1-800-267-7270, or use their marine VHF radio - channel 16.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rachelle C. Smith
Communications
(204) 983-4197
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