MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw Search and Rescue Inc. (MJSAR) members took to the banks of the Moose Jaw River in Connor’s Park recently for a specialized training session focused on near-water awareness — a skill that could prove vital during the summer months ahead.
As hazy skies from ongoing wildfires settled over the city, around a dozen MJSAR volunteers practiced shoreline support and river safety techniques along the Moose Jaw River, simulating a scenario where a person becomes stranded near or in the water.
“This is a near-water awareness course, so if there's an issue with someone going missing close to the river — or for us, Buffalo Pound Lake is another one of our close adversaries — and someone goes in the water and can't get out, we have the capability… to assist,” explained Sue Knox, vice president of MJSAR.
While fire crews and emergency medical services are trained for in-water rescue, MJSAR’s role focuses on shoreline response, situational support, and logistical assistance. Knox noted the team had already spent several hours earlier in the day at the pool working on rope throws and self-rescue before transitioning to dry land for further exercises.
“Now we're going to do the dry land training aspect and learn a few techniques on that — how to read the river, how to read the flow of the river, and how to get ourselves out of trouble,” she said.
Saturday’s event prompted a public notice from the City of Moose Jaw earlier in the week, advising residents that a visible presence of emergency responders in Connor Park was part of a scheduled training operation, not an actual emergency.
With wildfire smoke drifting through southern Saskatchewan, the training served as a reminder that environmental conditions such as smoke, heat, and fire can add urgency and unpredictability to missing person searches, making each passing hour more critical.
MJSAR trains weekly at its base near the Town ‘N’ Country Mall and often holds additional exercises to expand members’ capabilities. The group also plays a preventative role in the community, offering programs such as “Hug-A-Tree,” which teaches children what to do if they become lost outdoors.
“We try and do that through either the Parks Program or schools, churches — wherever there's a group of kids,” Knox said. “We teach them how to avoid getting lost and what to do if they do wander away from the group, and how to stay safe and get rescued.”
MJSAR has been involved in several high-profile searches, including the 2024 case of Glenn (Archie) Bell.
Knox said community visibility is also a key part of their work, and the team regularly participates in events such as Sidewalk Days and local parades to build public awareness.
“We want people to know that we’re here, and that we’re ready (to respond),” she said. “We try and do as many community ventures as we can… to get our focus out into the community so they know we’re there to help keep them safe.”
To learn more about Moose Jaw Search and Rescue Inc., visit MJSAR.ca. For more information on the Hug-A-Tree and Survive program, visit MJSAR.ca/AdventureSmart.
