The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to coordinating and supporting volunteer-based search, rescue, and emergency response efforts across Canada. Our mission is to save lives through collaboration, innovation, and education.
About SARVAC
Who We Are
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to coordinating and supporting volunteer-based search, rescue, and emergency response efforts across Canada. Our mission is to save lives through collaboration, innovation, and education.
SARVAC is administered by volunteers who train and practice search, rescue and survival skills in various parts of Canada . The organization is supported by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat and is funded through donations and fund-raising events. SARVAC takes pride in offering a vital National service. In addition to its search and rescue activities, it provides a medium for liaison and the exchange of information among federal, provincial/territorial, local, and volunteer search and/or rescue agencies and organizations.
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.
Vision
To have a national community of skilled search and rescue volunteers whose contributions are valued and supported by the public and all levels of government.
Our Impact
- 9,000 volunteers
- 300 SAR teams nationwide
- 600,000+ volunteer hours annually in training, prevention, and search effort
Our Guiding Principals
- Local Support: Assisting communities in forming and developing SAR units.
- Standardization: Promoting consistency in training and operations.
- Education: Enhancing SAR skills and public preparedness.
- Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with all levels of government.
- Innovation: Leveraging new technologies and best practices.
Our History
Established in 1996, the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a federally incorporated registered Canadian Charity that provides a national voice for ground search and rescue volunteers in Canada.
SARVAC represents the thirteen provincial and territorial volunteer Ground Search and Rescue Associations in Canada. The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer representatives from each of the provinces and territories. Ultimately, SARVAC represents the interests of 9,000 Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers throughout Canada who provide search and rescue services on land and inland waters.
1900s
Expanding Impact
- 1996 – SARVAC founded to unify GSAR volunteers across Canada, providing a national voice and promoting standardization
- 1999 – National SAR Insurance Program launched.
2000s
Growth & Development
2008 – SARVAC National Headquarters established (with employees).
2008 – AdventureSmart SAR Prevention program rolled out nationwide.
2010s
The Beginning
- 2012-2016 – Collaborated with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to establish a National Training Standard for GSAR operations.
- 2012-2016 – Partnered with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat to develop GSAR competency standards.
- 2014 – Advocated for and implemented the SAR Volunteer Tax Credit.
- 2014-2017 – Organized Regional Workshops to strengthen the GSAR role across Canada.
- 2017 – Launched Searcher eLearning platform.
- 2017 – Launched National GSAR Training Community site.
- 2018 – Implemented Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for all GSAR volunteers and Directors & Officers Insurance for 300 GSAR teams & associations across Canada.
- 2018 – Distributed the first Volunteer GSAR Service Award plaques and pins to volunteers with 25+ years in GSAR.
- 2019 – AdventureSmart App officially released (February 8).
2020s
Innovation & Readiness
2021 – Launched Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) Program.
2021 – GSAR-NCP program certification introduced (March).
2022 – Expanded HWF Program to enhance GSAR volunteer capacity.
2024 – Announced “Effective Impact 2024” full-scale disaster response exercise.
2024 – First HWF “Train the Trainer” workshop held (March).
2024 – GSAR volunteers mobilized for wildfire response in Labrador City (July).
2024 – Conducted full-scale “Effective Impact 2024” exercise (October).
2024 – Launched AdventureSmart interactive video – a decision-making game for outdoor enthusiasts.
1900s
The Beginning
- 1996 – SARVAC founded to unify GSAR volunteers across Canada, providing a national voice and promoting standardization
- 1999 – National SAR Insurance Program launched.
2000s
Growth & Development
- 2008 – SARVAC National Headquarters established (with employees).
- 2008 – AdventureSmart SAR Prevention program rolled out nationwide.
2010s
Expanding Impact
- 2012-2016 – Collaborated with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to establish a National Training Standard for GSAR operations.
- 2012-2016 – Partnered with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat to develop GSAR competency standards.
- 2014 – Advocated for and implemented the SAR Volunteer Tax Credit.
- 2014-2017 – Organized Regional Workshops to strengthen the GSAR role across Canada.
- 2017 – Launched Searcher eLearning platform.
- 2017 – Launched National GSAR Training Community site.
- 2018 – Implemented Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for all GSAR volunteers and Directors & Officers Insurance for 300 GSAR teams & associations across Canada.
- 2018 – Distributed the first Volunteer GSAR Service Award plaques and pins to volunteers with 25+ years in GSAR.
- 2019 – AdventureSmart App officially released (February 8).
2020s
Innovation & Readiness
- 2021 – Launched Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) Program.
- 2021 – GSAR-NCP program certification introduced (March).
- 2022 – Expanded HWF Program to enhance GSAR volunteer capacity.
- 2024 – Announced “Effective Impact 2024” full-scale disaster response exercise.
- 2024 – First HWF “Train the Trainer” workshop held (March).
- 2024 – GSAR volunteers mobilized for wildfire response in Labrador City (July).
- 2024 – Conducted full-scale “Effective Impact 2024” exercise (October).
- 2024 – Launched AdventureSmart interactive video – a decision-making game for outdoor enthusiasts.
“I scrambled from my home in Vancouver to YVR and was flown by Talon Helicopters directly to the ridge above Buntzen, where I was able to hover exit with my medical pack. My heart was in my mouth as I hurried the short distance to the accident scene, not knowing how badly hurt the little guy might be. I felt so incredibly relieved when I examined him and it became clear he did not have a serious injury! It was such a pleasure helping treat this child and to reassure his parents he would be alright!”
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