Search and rescue exercise being held near White City

Search and rescue teams from across Saskatchewan are taking part in an exercise this weekend east of Regina.

All 18 chapters of the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV) will gather for a missing persons simulation on Saturday. Teams may do an urban search in White City and conduct an exercise in a rural area near White Butte Trails.

Curt Schroeder, president of Search and Rescue Regina, said the details are kept under wraps until the exercise starts but usually a volunteer will play the role of the missing person.

SARSAV personnel will be joined by the Regina Police Service, RCMP, Emergency Management and Fire Safety of Saskatchewan, search dog organizations and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).

Schroeder explained the search will start based on information including the last known point of observation, what clothing the person is wearing, whether the person is travelling on foot or vehicle and any other information learned from the family.

“As you walk, you’re looking for clues,” said Schroeder. “Something out of the ordinary.”

Search teams will use GPS as they walk, looking for evidence like broken branches, a sock in the snow or a hat in a tree. In situations where it’s needed, they can call in search dogs or CASARA to spot a vehicle or the missing person from the air.

“Drones are a possibility. It depends on the terrain and the scale of the area that needs to be searched,” said Schroeder.

The goal for Saturday’s search is for both senior team leaders and newcomers to gain more experience.

“We have new volunteers that are eager to put their skills into practice,” said Schroeder.

The recreational area will remain open during Saturday’s exercise, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re not really interfering with anyone else who might be out here cross-country skiing or snowshoeing,” said Schroeder.

He assured the search team is not in any way disturbed by what others in the area may be doing.