On Saturday, June 22, Rideau Search and Rescue (RSAR), will be conducting a search and rescue training exercise (SAREX) in the Ferguson Forest. RSAR is a team of dedicated volunteers who help police search for missing persons. RSAR has about 30 operational ground searchers, and a 4 horse-strong mounted unit. During the SAREX, RSAR members will be honing their search skills and demonstrating the competencies required to become certified searchers. The exercise will be based on a realistic scenario and will evolve as the exercise progresses. Members of the public are invited to follow the progress of the search at the Command Post in the Arboretum and observe RSAR in action. They may arrive any time after 9:15am for a 10:00am start. We are not able to say what time it will finish as that depends on how quickly the RSAR members find the “lost people”.
Officers from the OPP Kemptville Detachment, Mobile Crisis Response Team, will also be in attendance with some of their equipment. They look forward to chatting with spectators and answering any questions they have about the work these officers do.
The AdventureSmart / Hug a Tree program is aimed at children of all ages, and focuses on what to do should they become lost, wherever they are. Workshops will take place in the Arboretum at 10:30-11:30am and 2:00-3:00pm. Parents are welcome, and encouraged to listen in and observe. Registration is required to ensure that there are enough kits to hand out at the end of each presentation. Please e-mail Trish Adams, Secretary, Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre, tadams500@gmail.com with your preferred time.
There is no charge for observation or involvement in any of these activities/workshops, but suggested donations of $5 would be most welcome. These will be shared by Rideau Search and Rescue, AdventureSmart / Hug-a-Tree, and the Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre.
Don’t miss this rare and valuable opportunity to learn about the Search and Rescue network in Ontario… without being the one who is the object of the search!