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Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a national not-for-profit and educational organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening volunteer Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) efforts across the country. Representing the thirteen provincial and territorial GSAR associations, SARVAC works to coordinate, develop, inform, and promote search, rescue, and emergency response initiatives — all with the core mission of saving lives.
Our Board of Directors is composed of volunteer representatives from every province and territory, ensuring local perspectives guide national priorities. Together, we represent the interests of more than 9,000 GSAR volunteers who serve their communities by providing search and rescue services on land and inland waters throughout Canada.
GSAR Teams in Canada
Volunteers
Training, Admin, & Prevention Hours Reported Annually
Person-Hours on Searches Reported Annually
Our Mission
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to training and practicing search, rescue, and survival skills across Canada.
Supported by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat and funded through donations and fundraising efforts, SARVAC plays a vital role in national search and rescue operations. Beyond its operational efforts, SARVAC serves as a key liaison, fostering collaboration among federal, provincial, territorial, local, and volunteer search and rescue agencies and organizations.
Find Your Local GSAR Team
Looking to connect with your local Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) team or provincial/territorial association?
Whether you're interested in volunteering, training, or learning more about how GSAR teams support your community, this tool helps you easily locate and contact the team nearest you.
Find Your Local GSAR Team
Looking to connect with your local Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) team or provincial/territorial association?
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, training, or learning more about how GSAR teams support your community, this tool helps you easily locate and contact the team nearest you.
L’Association Québécoise des Bénévoles en Recherche et Sauvetage (AQBRS)
(450) 530-4770
Nunavut (Nunavut)
(800) 693-1666
Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV)
(306) 992-5912
Search and Rescue Manitoba Volunteer Association (SARMAN)
(204) 345-3574
“We located the subject in the gully, we hoisted a member down to him, put him in the harness and got him out quickly. There was minimal exposure to avalanche terrain and less danger for rescuers.”
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