South Eastern Alberta Search and Rescue Association

09/05/2026

Happy Labour Day Weekend!

Labour Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the hard work and contributions of workers who help build and strengthen our communities every day. It also marks the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of changing conditions outdoors.

As you head out to enjoy the long weekend, please remember to plan accordingly and put safety first. The days are getting shorter, the nights are becoming colder, and the forecast is calling for some wet weather. Whether you're hiking, paddling, camping, or exploring the backcountry, make sure you:

✅ Check the weather forecast before you go
✅ Dress for changing conditions
✅ Carry extra layers and rain gear
✅ Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
✅ Bring the essentials for an unexpected delay

A little preparation can make a big difference.

From all of us at SEASAR, have a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend. We'll be here if you need us, but we'd much rather see you return home safely.

09/05/2026

Behind every successful search is a strong incident management team (IMT) — and on this call, that team was made up entirely of women from Cochrane Search and Rescue, Foothills Search and Rescue and the RCMP.

From developing search plans and tracking teams in the field to managing communications, logistics, and safety, the IMT keeps every operation organized, informed, and moving with purpose. Their work ensures responders have what they need, know where they’re going, and come home safely.

This all women IMT — which we believe to be the first in SAR Alberta’s history — shows exactly what women can do in search and rescue: lead with confidence, manage complex operations, and support teams with strength and clarity. They brought skill, calm decision making, collaboration, and resilience to the command post, proving that SAR leadership comes in many forms and from many voices.

We’re proud of the professionalism, compassion and confidence these women brought to the operation.

Thank you to this team and to every SAR member who steps up for their community!

Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta Cochrane Search and Rescue Foothills Search and Rescue

08/31/2026

A great reminder from Lions Bay SAR

Having satellite connectivity does not always mean Search and Rescue can message you directly. Before every adventure, update your emergency contacts, leave a detailed trip plan, and understand how your emergency communication device works.

While iPhone Satellite SOS is a valuable and potentially lifesaving tool, we still encourage carrying a dedicated Personal Emergency Beacon (PEB) or satellite communicator for added reliability and redundancy in the backcountry.

Preparation remains one of the most important pieces of outdoor safety.

08/24/2026

🏃‍♂️🗺️ SEASAR Hosts Race Stop at Strathcona Park for The Amazing Race for Hunger in support of the Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub 🗺️🏃‍♀️

On Saturday, SEASAR had the honor of hosting a race stop at Strathcona Park in support of Root Cellar Medicine Hat.

For this challenge, our members focused on a key Search and Rescue concept: Probability of Discovery (POD). Originally, our team hid 20 items ranging from easy-to-find objects to items that were extremely difficult to locate. However, with the race running a little behind schedule, we scaled the challenge back to 9 hidden items.

While placing the items, our team marked each location in CalTopo, a mapping application we frequently use during search operations and training exercises. This allowed members to put their mapping and navigation training into action while creating the challenge.

This wasn't just an ordinary scavenger hunt. It was an opportunity for SEASAR to showcase one of the many skills our members train in and use during real-world search missions. The exercise also demonstrated an important lesson: fatigue can significantly impact search effectiveness.

One example stood out. A hard hat, which would typically have a very high probability of discovery, was found by only two teams. It was located just five feet off the path, near the base of a tree in some long grass. Even a highly visible object can be easily missed when searchers become tired, distracted, or focused elsewhere.

Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, race stop hosts, and people who donated and stopped by our race station. We hope you had as much fun as we did while learning a little about the science and skills behind Search and Rescue.

08/21/2026

🍂 The season is changing—whether we’re ready or not!
That makes it the perfect time to give your emergency gear a quick check so you’re prepared when you need it most.

🔋 Change the batteries in your flashlights
🩹 Look over your first aid supplies and restock anything missing
🎒 Review your go‑bag or vehicle kit for worn, expired, or missing items

A few minutes now can make a big difference later. Stay safe, stay prepared, and take care of each other out there. 💛

08/18/2026

🎙️ SEASAR's Secretary, Amber, recently sat down with Brian Conrad on the Bring Back The Porch Podcast to talk about all things SEASAR!

During the conversation, Amber shared more about who we are, what we do, and some important outdoor safety reminders for anyone heading out on an adventure.

One of the key messages she highlighted was the importance of **leaving a trip plan** with someone you trust before venturing out. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make all the difference if something goes wrong.

Amber also touched on the concept of "Hug a Tree." It sounds simple in theory, but when you suddenly find yourself lost, disoriented, or turned around, staying calm and remaining in one place can be much more difficult than people imagine. That's why education and preparation are so important.

A huge thank you to Brian Conrad and the Bring Back the Porch Podcast for the opportunity, and an even bigger thank you to Amber for stepping out from behind the lens and in front of the microphone to help share SEASAR's story. We know you'd rather be the one taking the photos than being the subject of them!

Amber Donnelly from Southeast Alberta Search and Rescue (SEASAR) sh...

08/18/2026

SEASAR is thrilled to be joining the Amazing Race for Hunger 2026 as an official race stop, in support of Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub

Our volunteers have been busy crafting a challenge that’s equal parts fun and skill — something that highlights the training and teamwork that make our SAR family who we are.

We’re excited to support this event, cheer on the racers, and share a little piece of what SEASAR does behind the scenes.

Can’t wait to see you on race day!

08/13/2026

Tick Ready Tuesdays

Found a tick? Act quickly to reduce your risk.

If a tick is attached:

• Use clean, fine-point tweezers to grasp it close to the skin

• Pull straight out slowly and steadily—don’t twist or squeeze

• If mouthparts remain, remove if you can or leave them to heal

• Clean the bite area with soap and water or sanitizer

Quick action can help keep your adventure safe.
https://buff.ly/uXIrPyw

08/13/2026

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, announced a $3 million investment over three years for the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC).

This funding will support a project to further strengthen Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) in Canada through enhanced coordination and consistency among volunteer search and rescue organizations across the country. The investment will help ensure Canadians receive timely and effective assistance when they need it most, while reinforcing SARVAC’s national leadership role in supporting search and rescue organizations and volunteers.

Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2026/08/government-of-canada-invests-in-volunteer-search-and-rescue-across-canada-with-a-three-year-funding-agreement.html

08/10/2026

🚤 Did You Know?

SEASAR has a shallow water jet boat!

It's just one more incredibly handy tool in our emergency response toolbox. While many people have seen us operating on local lakes and along the South Saskatchewan River over the years, our boat and Swift Water Team are occasionally called upon to assist other search and rescue teams and partner agencies throughout the region.

This weekend, SEASAR supported Badlands Search and Rescue by deploying our boat on the Red Deer River, with additional overhead support provided by our Drone Team. Together, these specialized resources helped provide enhanced situational awareness and operational support throughout the deployment.

The video below captures the point of view of one of our members as they headed out on the water. What began as a very foggy morning created challenging conditions, making the support from both our boat crew and drone operators even more valuable.

We are proud to work alongside organizations across Alberta, helping ensure the right resources are available when and where they are needed.

🚨🌊🚤