SAR teams join forces for Nelson Lakes exercise

Surf Life Saving search and rescue teams from across the top of the South Island came together in the Nelson Lakes over the weekend for a joint Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) with Rarangi Surf Life Saving Club. 

The scenario-based exercise gave both teams the chance to work together in a realistic environment, test their skills and build on the teamwork and communication needed when responding to an incident. 

Satruday afternoon was spent on the water, with the teams successfully locating all items of interest before finishing the day with night operations on the lake. 

With the two clubs only an hour's drive apart, the exercise was a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the teams and to see how effectively they can operate as one unit. 

Joining exercises like this is an important part of staying prepared. They allow teams to put their skills into practice, learn from each other and build the confidence and communication needed to work seamlessly together when it matters most. 

A huge thanks to Libby Bolland for keeping everyone well fed and fuelled throughout the weekend, and to everyone who helped make the exercise such a successful one.