Valuable Lessons Learned from CASARA Exercise Held Over the Weekend

In Editor Choice, Local

Lessons learned from a Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) drone exercise held over the weekend will prove beneficial in the future for searches.

Major Claude Courcelles who is the CASARA Liaison Officer working for Senior Staff Officer Search and Rescue at 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg along with members from every province were in Cobourg over the weekend for the two day exercise involving drones used for search and rescues.

On Friday, members worked with the Canadian Coast Guard and involved searching for a number of people (4) lost in the water off of Cobourg on Lake Ontario.

The scenario took place approximately 11 kilometres south of Cobourg.

During the morning one group launched the drones from the Coast Guard Cutter Cape Rescue while another ground was on shore. In the afternoon, after a debriefing the two groups switched places.

“This morning the conditions were more windy so we learned a lot from the exercise this morning.”

“We learned that we cannot go as far as we expected in theory to have a productive search.”

During the afternoon members of CASARA searched closer to shore, while members on the Cape Rescue searched farther out.

“This strategy of search will make it a lot more efficient and quicker to find a person in the water.”

Councelles said the exercise proved beneficial in many ways over the weekend.

“Everything always looks good on paper, until you start trying it.”

“We tried it this morning and this afternoon is working much better because we learned from the mistakes this morning.”

On Saturday, the group had planned to work in the GRCA searching for lost hikers.

Courcelles said CASARA very much appreciated the support by the Canadian Coast Guard, Cobourg Fire Department, Cobourg Police Department and the Town of Cobourg.

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Changes Coming to Brookside Encampment

(Today's Northumberland file photo) While the encampments at the former Brookside Youth Centre will certainly appreciate the changes, the general

Read More...

Town of Cobourg Prepares to Celebrate 2023 Santa Claus Parade

Road Closure Notice for Saturday, December 2nd The Town of Cobourg would like to remind residents that the 2023 Cobourg

Read More...

Cobourg Police – Bewdley Man Charged with Mischief, Obstructing Peace Officer and Fail to Comply (No Name Released)

A 33-year-old Bewdley man is facing charges after police responded to a suspicious person call on Wednesday morning. On Wednesday,

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu

Terms | Privacy |