The Isle of Wight activity centre provided venue for WightSAR’s Safe to Search Assessment.
Over the last weekend of April, PGL Little Canada welcomed new recruits from the local search and rescue organisation, WightSAR, to conduct its ‘Safe to Search’ assessment.
With exclusive use of the activity centre and grounds, the trainees ran through various activities required for their formal assessments, including skills training, a night-time search and an evacuation drill in the woodland. All eight recruits passed successfully and have now joined the operational team, bolstering the life-saving service for high risk, vulnerable missing persons on the Isle of Wight.
The WightSAR team at PGL Little Canada
Aside from cost-savings, PGL’s contribution of a venue with lunch and dinner also means that the WightSAR volunteers are able to gain experience with the local terrain, rather than travelling to the mainland.
“The volunteers at WightSAR provide a vital service for residents and the many visitors the island receives every year,” said Gavin Devoy, General Manager at PGL Little Canada. “As custodians of a big rural estate, we’re privileged in being able to provide a space where their teams can train effectively, and in turn do our part to keep our community safe.”
WightSAR is a volunteer-run organisation that receives no government funding, and so it relies entirely on grants and fundraising. For Recruit Trainer & Assessor, Damon Corr, the support PGL provides elevates its training courses. “We simply couldn’t put on the same level of training for our recruits without the level of support that they generously provide for us,” said Damon Corr. “And by saving costs in this area, we’re able to channel funds into operational resources that directly benefit the Isle of Wight community.”
WightSAR presented the PGL team with thank you cards and chocolates
For more information on how you can support WightSAR, go to www.WightSAR.org
