Why did it begin?
Barachois Search & Rescue was established in 1982. It was developed in response to the communities need for a group of trained individuals to aid in the search for lost or missing persons.

What is the Teams purpose?
The organization provides assistance to the RCMP in the search for lost or missing persons. It secures accident or crime scenes, transports people to safety from remote locations, provides assistance to Municipalities in the event of local emergencies.

Does the Team work with other groups?
Yes, the Team works with the Transport Canada, Office of Boating Safety to promote safe boating in its area. Members conduct courteous vessel inspections to help boaters identify the right equipment required for their boats. They set up static displays showing all the equipment required and distribute printed material for the public to read.

What area does it serve?
Barachois Search & Rescue serves an Area of 11,000 sq km’s. It stretches East from George’s Lake, South on the Burgeo Rd. to Peter Strides Lake and West to Port Aux Basques.

Is there support from the Town Councils?
Yes, both the Town of Stephenville Crossing and the Town of St. Georges provide some funding for the Team each year.

Who tasks Search & Rescue?
Barachois Search & Rescue is called by the RCMP. It is ready for deployment 24hrs a day seven days a week. The Team has a Coordinator that reports to the RCMP Liaison Officer.

Who are the members?
The members are volunteers from all walks of life who have a desire to help their fellow man when in trouble. They must apply for membership to the team and provide a Police Letter of Conduct with their application.

How is the Team funded?
The money for the daily operation of the team is raised by its members through varied fund-raising. Actual expenses during searches and tasks are covered by the RCMP. Additional equipment has been received through the National Search & Rescue Secretariate.

When are meetings held?
Meetings are usually held the last Sunday of each month at the Teams Headquarters in Stephenville Crossing. Training is scheduled more frequently as the need arises.

What type of training do members undergo?
Members are required to take a forty hour training program. It consists of map & compass reading, GPS operation, radio procedures, search techniques, helicopter safety, wilderness survival, boat training as well as operation of various equipment.

What type of equipment do I need?
Each member is required to have a compass, coveralls and proper outdoor clothing. Additional equipment such as snowmobiles and ATV’S would be considered an asset on Team operations.

What type of equipment does the Team have?
The Team has a mobile command center, 4x4, pickup, surburban, zodiac rescue boat, hovercraft, rescue toboggans, kayaks and a host of first aid equipment and supplies.

Does the Team offer any courses to the general public?
The Team is qualified to teach the Pleasure Craft Operators course to qualify for the card required by the Canadian Coast Guard.

How is the Team involved in the Community?
Members of the team visit Schools in the area with presentations on Ice Safety, Snowmobile Safety, Boating Safety and the Hug A Tree Program. They provide talks to the Scouts, Guides, Youth Group and Duke of Edinburgh Program.

What other activities are the Team involved in?
During the winter months the Team works with the RCMP and the local Snowmobile Association promoting safe snowmobiling. They also conduct cabin checks with the Police in an effort to cut down on vandalism and increase visibility in remote areas.