If you see any rescue boats or helicopters in the region from now until May 16, don’t worry, there’s a good explanation.
The Canadian Coast Guard says its Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program began search and rescue training for crews on April 28 and runs until May 16 in Parry Sound.
Officials say training will be carried out during daytime and nighttime hours at the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Parry Sound and surrounding waters south to Midland, and north to Britt.
They say the public can expect to see upwards of 10 Coast Guard Zodiac Fast Rescue Craft, and helicopters throughout the area, adding there is no real emergency or danger to the public.
The IRB program certifies and prepares students to respond to marine emergencies during the summer months like medical emergencies, missing persons or boaters, vessels taking on water, and disabled vessels.
Officials say each summer, the Coast Guard hires post-secondary students and trains them as IRB crews at stations across Canada. In our neck of the woods, there are six stations located at Britt, Brebeuf Island on the Georgian Bay, Hill Island at the St. Lawrence River, Port Lambton on the St. Clair River, Thames River on Lake St. Clair and Long Point on Lake Erie.
Officials say the stations, which are open annually from May to October, provide supplementary search and rescue services during the busy summer boating season.
For more information on the IRB program, visit: Inshore Rescue Boat student program (ccg-gcc.gc.ca)