Search and Rescue (SAR) teams across Canada and the United States are taking flight over the Comox Valley this week.
19 Wing Comox is hosting the National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2025) across the Comox Valley this week to test interoperability and share best practices between SAR teams.
The training exercise will also bring in participants from Brazil, Chile, and Spain who also fly CC-295 for SAR missions in their home countries.
Over the week, residents will notice an increase in noise and air traffic activity over Mid-Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
Crews will be conducting low-altitude flights, parachute operations, hoist exercises and maritime SAR scenarios.
Monday’s training will feature SAR crews launching red pen flares at Goose Spit Park at three different times; starting at 10:30 a.m., then noon, and again at 3:30 p.m.
The last training scenario will happen Friday, September 26 at Air Force Beach and public access in the area will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The campground will remain open during the exercise, but campers are being asked to avoid the area, with signage and personnel to be in place to ensure public safety.
