Ontario Search and Rescue
Volunteer Association

– EST. 1992 –

Established in 1992, the Ontario Search & Rescue Volunteer Association is a provincially recognized, not-for-profit, volunteer based organization that supports the ground Search and Rescue teams in Ontario.

OSARVA

We are the governing body for Volunteer Search & Rescue teams within the province of Ontario and are the liaison between the OPP, NSS, EMO and the volunteer SAR teams.

OSARVA is a registered not-for-profit organization comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors that represents the volunteer SAR teams within each of the six OPP designated regions for Ontario. OSARVA is also responsible for the instruction and certification of the “Basic Searcher” status as initiated and mandated by the OPP.

GSR Volunteers

Our teams are comprised of highly trained, unpaid professionals to who bring their talents together to assist police in their efforts to locate lost persons.

Our Purpose

To assist the Police with trained volunteer ground SAR personnel with the ultimate goal of saving lives.

To support volunteer ground SAR teams throughout the province.

To endorse prevention programs conducted by ground SAR teams in Ontario.

To promote awareness of the value of Ground Search and Rescue Volunteers.

Mission

To provide leadership, guidance and support for ground Search & Rescue (GSAR) member teams throughout the province.

Search and Rescue Education

AdventureSmart

Learn the Essentials

AdventureSmart is a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians and visitors to Canada to ”Get informed and go outdoors”.

Visit their website to find out more.

What is AdventureSmart?

AdventureSmart is a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians and visitors to Canada to “Get informed and go outdoors”. AdventureSmart combines online and on-site awareness with targeted outreach to try and reduce the number and severity of Search and Rescue Incidents.

How to Help?

Interested in helping those in distress?

Contact us or head to our  “How to Join” page to see what our recruiting process looks like!