SARCan - Canada's Volunteer SAR Podcast

Hosts Spencer and Patrick, and man in the field, Archie - talk with Carla (Saskatoon Search & Rescue), the winners of the SAR Games (OPP ERT) , Paul from SARVAC and Archie and Dustin!

SARScene 2026 was a huge success, bringing together SAR professionals and volunteers from air, ground and marine! This episode sponsor is Hyundai of Goderich.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR Podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance; Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions. If you want to highlight your SAR team or give a shoutout to a member of your team, contact us at sarcan@hasar.ca

In our latest episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Dustin Brears, media liaison for SARSAV; as they discuss the upcoming SARScene 2026 - SAR 360. SARScene is Canada's yearly SAR conference for Air, Ground and Marine SAR - this year held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. If you have the change to get there, SARScene is a must for all SAR volunteers!

This episode is sponsored by Bostech Mechanical Ltd out of Listowel, Ontario. Our These Are the People In Your Neighbourhood are the hard working volunteers and committee of SARScene 2026!

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR Podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance; Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions.

In the 30th SARCan episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk to Matthew Mitchell, Founder of the International Association of Search & Rescue Coordinators (IASARC) and Jamie Stirling of SAR-1; about the evolving profession of SAR and the training and certifying of professional SAR coordinators. Both guests bring a lifetime of marine and ground search and talk about the need for international certification for the management of SAR.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance, Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode sponsor is Rescue 7 and SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions.

In our 29th episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Dr. Vett Lloyd of Mount Allison University and an expert in ticks and tick related diseases. With the growing range of the dangerous creature, Dr. Lloyd talks about their habits, what they carry that is dangerous to us and how to best prevent tick related illnesses.

Our SAR Spotlight is with Davidee Inukpuk of 503 Rescue, a Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary unit from Inukjuak, Quebec. Our shout out is to the members of the Calgary Search and Rescue and this episodes' sponsor is AdventureSmart.

SARCan is Canada's volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance, Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions. If you have an idea for a topic, want to highlight your SAR unit or give a shoutout to a SAR member across Canada, contact us at sarcan@hasar.ca

In our 28th episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Kincardine Beach Safety Co-Founder, Meagan Fair about the first of its kind Water Safety Stoplight in Kincardine, Ontario! This evidence based safety device is ground breaking in water and beach safety, especially in areas with strong pier (structural) currents and where the risk of drowning is higher than other beaches.

The episode sponsor is Firehouse Public Safety Foundation and SARCan gives a shout out to the Port Bruce Rescue, a CCGA member.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance; Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions.

In our 27th episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Firefighter Dylan Dekraker about the risks of confined space and rescue within the farming silo community. Our episode sponsor is the Huron-Perth Junior Farmers and our shout out is to the volunteers of the Halifax Search and Rescue.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance; Keeping Promises, Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions. Please contact us if you have a show idea, which to highlight your SAR unit or give a shoutout to a member of your team at sarcan@hasar.ca

In our 26th episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Mike Rarog, founder of Arctic Response Canada where Mike talks about navigation and navigating and SAR in the far north of Canada. Our episode sponsor is Mill Road Manufacturing and our highlight is Boots On The Ground.

SARCan is Canada's volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance - Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions

For SARCan's 25th episode, our topic is International Women's Month; where hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Chief Superintendent Dana Earley of the Ontario Provincial Police and Darlene Sharpe of Dufferin Emergency Search & Rescue - both leaders in their respective fields. Both guests talk about being a woman in Policing and SAR and the changes and successes that have come over the years.

SARCan is Canada's volunteer SAR podcast and is brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance; Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode sponsor is Usborne & Hibbert Mutual Insurance and SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions. If you with to share an idea for an episode, highlight your team or a team member; email us at sarcan@hasar.ca

Episode 24 of SARCan has hosts Spencer and Patrick speaking with Adam Seltzer and Jordan Pennington as they discuss the creation of the Huron & Area Search and Rescue and Bimaajitoon Search and Rescue - both started in 2018. They highlight the challenges and successes of starting their own volunteer SAR organizations.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance, Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode sponsor is Howick Mutual Insurance and our SAR Shoutout is to Stan French of BAYSAR. SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions.

Episode 23 of SARCan has hosts Spencer and Patrick speaking with the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC)'s President, Janelle Coultes and SARVAC's Executive Director, Paul French; about 2025 in SARVAC across the country. From searches to the Humanitarian Work Force, SARVAC covers it all in this recap.

SARCan is brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance, Keeping Promises Close to Home:

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode's sponsor is West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance. SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions.

SARCan is sponsored by Axiom Mutual Insurance, Keeping Promises Close to Home. In our 22nd episode, the first of Season 2, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk to Bailey Vandorp and Randy Chapman of the Alzheimer's Society Huron-Perth; about caregiver support and the journey of change for those living with and caring for those with dementia. January is Alzheimer's Awareness month.

SARCan's SAR Spotlight is with Bruno of Georgian Bay Search and Rescue and our volunteer shout out is to HASAR's own, Jason Clark. SARCan is Canada's volunteer SAR podcast:

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions.

SARCan Episode 21 - A Very Merry 2025 Podcast

SARCan's Hosts Spencer and Patrick talk about the upcoming #huronpolarplunge, January 1st in Goderich with the Alzheimer's Society of Huron-Perth; and recap the 20 episodes of SARCan - Season 1! Later, the hosts speak to Adam the Elf, working hard at the North Pole!

SARCan is Canada's volunteer SAR podcast

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode, and SARCan itself, is sponsored by Axiom Mutual Insurance; Keeping Promises Close to Home. SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and edited by Bad Puppy Productions.

Have a safe new year and please send any ideas or thoughts for 2026, Season 2, to sarcan@hasar.ca

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR Podcast, brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

Hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with noted naval author and historian Roger Litwiller in this Remembrance Day edition of SARCan. Mr. Litwiller and hosts discuss the Battle of the Atlantic and the basics of search technology from WWII onwards and evolving into Search and Rescue. Mr. Litwiller also gives history to the Canadian Coast Guard in the war.

Special thanks to SBO-OVSAR for their hosting of SARScene this past October in Ottawa.

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications.

This October, SARCan was in Ottawa for SARVAC's SARScene. Hosts Spencer and Patrick spoke with a number of SAR volunteers and Police officers who dedicate their life to Search and Rescue and the safety of others.

Hosting live, the interviews can be watched on HASAR's social media, or listen to the interviews here! Due to the format of the live interviews, there are a number of introductions of our hosts, but their guests are well worth the listen!

This episode is in memory of Jim Sharp.

SARCan, Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR.

SARCan is edited by Bad Puppy Productions and made possible by Hay Communications.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR Podcast brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Dr. Sayra Cristancho, of Western University, who talks about team dynamics, leadership and what makes groups strong.

Our SAR Spotlight is on SARVAC's SARScene, held October 2025 and our episode sponsor is the Hensall Ice Company.

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications and always looking for your ideas and shout outs. Please contact us at sarcan@hasar.ca

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

Hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Rahul Singh, O.Ont, Founder of the David McAntony Gibson Foundation, otherwise known as Global Medic. Rahul talks about the creation of Global Medic as well as the far reaching life-saving missions over 9,000 volunteers do for Global Medic; in over 90 countries!

The episode sponsor is the Ashwood Inn and our SAR Spotlight is with Robin Ponto of Brandon Regional Search & Rescue Association (BRSARA). These Are The People In Your Neighbourhood gives a shout out to Rona Tepper of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue - Station 5 (Crescent Beach).

SARCan is driven by your suggestions and comments. Please reach out to us at sarcan@hasar.ca. SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR Podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance; keeping promises, close to home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This weeks episode, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk with Constable Ian Smith of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police about Police marine training and responsibilities and marine safety. Our episode sponsor is Redline Safety Solutions and These Are The People In Your Neighbourhood is the volunteers deployed on SARVAC's Humanitarian Work Force in Winnipeg.

The SAR Spotlight is on SARVAC's SARScene happening this October 1st - 5th in Ottawa. Kathleen O'Brien from OSARVA joins the hosts to talk about this incredible yearly event! OSARVA and AQBRS would like to thank Public Safety Canada for their support in bringing SARScene to Ottawa through the New Initiatives Fund program. This conference would not be possible without this federal support.

If you want to suggest a topic for SARCan, give a shoutout to your unit or a volunteer, contact us at sarcan@hasar.ca

SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications.

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode has hosts Spencer and Patrick talking with Jeanette Sears of the Alzheimer Society of Huron-Perth about dementia, resources the Alzheimer Society has for those with dementia and care-givers; along with Project Lifesaver.

Our SAR Spotlight is on Guardian Marine Rescue and These Are The People In Your Neighbourhood remembers Retired Staff Sergeant Don Webster of the Ontario Provincial Police. This episode sponsor is Brander Steel Industries.

SARCan is edited by Bad Puppy Productions and made possible by Hay Communications. If you have an idea for SARCan or want a shout out for your team, please contact us at sarcan@hasar.ca

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This week, hosts Spencer and Patrick talk to Cole Demorest, a Hoist Crew Leader with Alberta Wildfire. Cole talks about wildfire firefighting and the Alberta Wildfire program Fire Safe.

Our SAR Spotlight is on our hosts, and These Are The People In Your Neighbourhood is on HASAR's own Layne Lavis. Our episode sponsor is Shop Bike Coffee Roasters and SARCan is made possible by Hay Communications.

If you have any suggestions or comments for SARCan, please contact us at sarcan@hasar.ca

SARCan is Canada's Volunteer SAR Podcast and brought to you by Axiom Mutual Insurance; Keeping Promises Close to Home.

For Volunteer SAR

About Volunteer SAR

By Volunteer SAR

This episode, Spencer and Patrick talk with Bart Sherman about the London Search and Rescue (LSAR), and the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Assocation (OSARVA). Our episode sponsor is Braemar Retirement Centre.

SARCan is driven by your ideas and messages. Please help us out with topics, SAR spotlights and Shoutouts at sarcan@hasar.ca. HASAR is made possible by Hay Communications.