Who: Pickering Auxiliary Rescue Association (PARA) invites the media to attend and participate in Search and Rescue training.

What: Off-season boating survival training for PARA Crew. Volunteer Crew will be in the pool learning Person in Water Recovery; Abandon Ship and Life Raft Entry and Hypothermia Prevention among other skills.

When: Sunday January 12, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: South Oshawa Community Complex, 1455 Cedar Street, Oshawa, ON

Why: PARA volunteer members are tasked by the Canadian Search and Rescue System to assist and rescue boaters and people in trouble on Lake Ontario. The crew is continuously learning and building their skills. They are an important part of the larger Canadian search and rescue system supporting local Durham region emergency services, marine and Coast Guard rescue units.

The boat is currently out-of-service due to engine failure. This 100% volunteer unit is also fundraising for critical engine replacement work for its vessel “PARU”. Without it, the team will be unable to serve Lake Ontario boaters for the 2014 season.