Frequently Asked Questions

The joining fee is currently a $50 fee.

Annual membership dues are currently $50 in the first year, $40 in the second year, and $30 each year thereafter.  There is a cost for some of the training we do. This is subject to change.

You must provide your own equipment. You will be provided a list of items you will need for your SAR packs. If you are a hiker or outdoors person you may have a good part of the required equipment already and each member must have their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Due to Covid, all recruitment open houses are paused. We will resume Recruitment Info Nights in 2023. Please watch our Facebook page for announcements.

Some of our current members live outside of London itself, as far away as Dorchester, Ilderton, Wallacetown, Iona Station, St. Thomas, and Mount Brydges. As long as you are okay with the many events you will need to come into London for, then there is no problem. The vast majority of all our meetings, training and special events are in London – Your response time to searches is also something to think about.  If you are more than 100km from London we will not recruit you onto our team.

If you live further away, you may be better served to join a team closer to you. We recommend visiting www.osarva.ca to view other SAR teams within Ontario.

The single biggest reason people leave any volunteer organization is because they cannot keep up the commitment required. It is vital you understand there is a significant commitment of time and effort expected when you join LSAR. After your recruit training is over, you are required to do searches, attend monthly committee meetings, take ongoing training and to participate in marketing and fundraising activities.

Training varies from classroom to outdoor field exercises in varied terrain in and around London.

Training requirements are 1) valid Standard First Aid with CPR, 2) IMS100 certificate through the Office of the Fire Marshall, 3) valid Criminal Matters Judicial records Check, and 3) completion of the 4-day long Basic Search and Rescue course.

Yes. The tuition for the Basic Search and Rescue course is $50 and is payable prior to you being placed on the course.  The course is 4 days (one full weekend, followed later by another full weekend).

Search and Rescue is physically demanding. You will often be required to search in arduous terrain while carrying a heavy pack. If you get puffed walking up a few flights of stairs at work then this is definitely not for you! All members must complete a yearly 10km hike, with packs on, within 2.25 hours.

A Criminal Matters Judicial Records Check performed by the OPP is required by all members prior to being allowed on the BSAR training course.

We would encourage you to seek volunteer opportunities elsewhere.

You need to have it prior to being recruited onto our team. If your certificate is currently expired please book a standard (16 hour) first aid / CPR Level C with AED certification course immediately through a provider.

At minimum you need Standard First Aid/CPR Level C with AED certification, which is a 16 hour course that covers both adult and child CPR, and it must have been provided through an accredited provider.  We don’t have a preference on the provider. If you’ve lost your certificate, please contact your training provider who may be able to replace it.

If you have any further questions about joining, please email us at: recruiting@lsar.ca

If you join us you are committing to all the responsibilities of being a member. We are a charity for helping find lost people, not a charity for helping your career.