Volunteering at Halifax Search & Rescue fulfills a variety of interests and areas of specialization—be they related to on-the-ground searching, managing the logistics of a search and rescue operation, educating the public, organizing fundraising events or working behind the scenes to assist with the administration of the organization. Orienteering, digital mapping, cooking, management, tracking, mechanical know-how, first aid, radio communications, event planning, fundraising, boating, accounting, IT, grant writing—the list of goes on. Volunteer expertise at HSAR is numerous and varied, and all roles are vital to supporting the HSAR team.

It is incredibly rewarding to assist someone in times of need. Halifax Search & Rescue volunteers rally in these times with skill, strategy and precision to execute search and rescue operations 24/7, 365 days a year. We are one of the most active search and rescue teams in North America per capita.

Most search and rescue operations focus on locating and rescuing lost people, and these incidents are rarely convenient or known to the public. Searches often occur at night, off trail in rough terrain, and in challenging weather conditions. HSAR team members are willing and able to respond in these conditions, and understand that responding to a search is a priority. While we have fun as a team, we are not a club or an avenue for training. Halifax Search & Rescue is an emergency response organization that requires a substantial and consistent commitment throughout the year.