Gimli and Surrounding Area to Host Search and Rescue Exercise

GIMLI, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Sept. 3, 2013) - The Rural Municipality of Gimli, Manitoba, will host the 2013 National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) from 16-20 September.

Residents in and around the areas of Gimli, Thalberg, Lac du Bonnet and Kenora, Ontario, can expect increased aerial aircraft activity during this period.

Members of the public may see Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) parachuting under orange canopies from CC-130 Hercules and CC-115 Buffalo aircraft, as well as CH-149 Cormorant and CH-146 Griffon helicopter crews conducting hoist operations.

Other partner organizations in the National SAR System, including the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), Canadian Coast Guard and STARS Air Ambulance, will have aircraft involved in the exercise. Residents are advised that these activities are part of carefully controlled training scenarios, and unless otherwise stated, do not constitute a response to an actual emergency.

The event is being organized by members of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron from 17 Wing Winnipeg and the operational Command Centre will be run out of Gimli Industrial Park Airport.

Response to real world SAR incidents will remain top priority during the exercise and activities will be conducted under all applicable Canadian Armed Forces training regulations to protect both the public and participants.

SAREX organizers wish to thank communities for their support in organizing this exercise which provides realistic training opportunities for our SAR personnel in order to maintain their skills and expertise through the enactment of simulated casualties and complex rescue scenarios.

For information on 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron visit: http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/17-wing/435-squadron.page

For information on 17 Wing visit: http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/17-wing/index.page