Between April 25 and May 12, 2025, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will conduct essential search and rescue training for its Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program in Parry Sound, Ontario. The training sessions, which will take place both during the day and at night, will be held at the CCG Base in Parry Sound and extend to the surrounding waters, covering areas from Midland to Britt.
Residents and visitors in the area can expect to see multiple CCG Zodiac Fast Rescue Craft and helicopters in operation. While the presence of these vehicles may raise questions, it’s important to note that this is part of scheduled training, and there is no actual emergency or threat to public safety.
This training is designed to ensure that IRB crews are fully prepared for marine emergencies during the upcoming summer months. This includes responding to a wide range of scenarios such as medical emergencies, missing boaters, vessels running aground, boats taking on water, and other vessel-related issues that require urgent attention.
The IRB program plays a crucial role in supporting search and rescue efforts throughout the summer, as it employs post-secondary students annually to serve as crew members at stations across the country. These stations, which enhance Canada’s search and rescue capabilities during the busy boating season, offer valuable mentorship and hands-on experience for students.
Across the Great Lakes, the Canadian Coast Guard operates six IRB stations. These are strategically located at Britt (Georgian Bay), Brebeuf Island (Georgian Bay), Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Port Lambton (St. Clair River), Thames River (Lake St. Clair), and Long Point (Lake Erie). The stations are active from May to October each year, ensuring that communities on and around the Great Lakes are well-supported in times of need.