Residents of Midland, Parry Sound, Britt, and surrounding Georgian Bay communities can expect increased activity involving Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) helicopters and watercraft over the next few weeks. The CCG will conduct essential search and rescue training exercises across the bay between April 25 and May 12, 2025.
This training is part of the CCG’s Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program, which prepares post-secondary students to respond to marine emergencies during the busy summer boating season. The exercises will involve up to ten CCG Zodiac Fast Rescue Crafts and helicopters operating during both day and night hours.
The Coast Guard has assured the public that there is no real emergency or danger. This training is crucial for certifying and preparing students to effectively handle various marine incidents, including medical emergencies, missing persons or boaters, grounded vessels, boats taking on water, and disabled vessels.
The IRB program sees the CCG hire and train students at stations across Canada, with several located on the Great Lakes. In addition to Britt and Brebeuf Island in Georgian Bay, these stations include Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Port Lambton (St. Clair River), Thames River (Lake St. Clair), and Long Point (Lake Erie). These stations provide vital search and rescue services throughout the summer months, typically operating from May to October.
Read more about the exercise here.