Newtown Underwater Search & Rescue - NUSAR

08/27/2026

NUSAR is a professionally trained all volunteer dive rescue team stationed in Sandy Hook, serving western Connecticut year-round since 1989 for water-based emergencies.

Although we do receive some funding from the town, we rely on donations from foundations and individuals; including friends, families and neighbors, to support our training & equipment needs.

We will be doing our annual Dive A Thon on Saturday, September 19. Please come down to meet the team, view our equipment, including our vessels and trucks, and learn about our capabilities.

Financial support of the team can be made through our webpage at www.nusar.org by clicking the donate button. If you are supporting the efforts of a particular team member, please make note of that in the comments on the donation page.

Thank you all for your continued support and generosity

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

NUSAR Chief Mike McCarthy & Asst Chief Dr Mike Cassetta will be guests on Eyewitness News Unscripted with Roger Susanin. It will be live on WFSB+ and WWAX in CT this Wednesday 8/26 at 1:10 pm.

08/18/2026

NUSAR requested by a private citizen to search for a missing wedding band with significant sentimental value as it was his father‘s ring. Search conducted in West Redding near Saugatuck Falls. Local PD & FD notified prior to commencing dive ops. Team used a combination of scuba for deeper water search, down to 25 feet and snorkel for the shallows and rock wall. Ring was located after 10 minutes of searching and reunited with it’s owner.

08/16/2026

Today, members of Newtown Underwater Search & Rescue - NUSAR conducted a dive operation at the Joe Barlow High School reservoir, which supplies water to the school's fire sprinkler system.

While underwater, our team inspected the intake pipe and protective screens that provide water to the fire pump, helping ensure the system remains ready to perform when needed.

Regular inspections like these are an important part of maintaining critical fire protection infrastructure.
We are proud to support our community by providing specialized underwater inspection services that help keep facilities safe and operational.

Big shout out to the Redding Fire & EMS Company #1 for coming out and decontamination our divers and equipment to make sure everything stays clean and operational.

07/19/2026

NUSAR drill Alberts Hill Cove on Lake Lillinonah. We practiced doing sweeps through thick water milfoil. Challenging but very useful dive conditions to practice in.

07/14/2026

Thank you to The Ridgefield Thrift Shop. Their generous grant enabled us to purchase a robotic trailer tractor for our main boat 993. Spacing is tight within our station and when mobilizing for calls or drill, it typically takes a group of 4 to 5 team members to maneuver the boat Into position. Now, with our new robotic system, this can be done more quickly, efficiently, and safely. Thank you so much.

07/14/2026

Our hearts are Broken with the tragic loss of Past member Cooper and his girlfriend Brittany Rest easy Cooper we have it from here !