08/21/2026
We are less than 60 days away from the 2026 Burke Water SAR Exercise!!! October 8-10. This exercise consists of multiple "real-time SAR scenarios" aimed at building upon the skills sets many teams have previously acquired.
We are offering the following "Rescue Tracks" related to water operations:
- Sonar & Surface Water Search
- Swiftwater Rescue & River Rigging
- Advanced High Angle Rope Rescue & Highlines
- Inflatable Rescue Boat Operations
- Night Search & Rescue
- K9 Search & Scent Detection
- SAR Topo Operations
- Incident Management Team Check-off's
- Field Communication Team Operations
Completed the brief feedback form if your team is attending to choose which track you would like to attend and participate.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwbErHtNF4GRFu7C2rY15SqDcs1hEqTn5xKmzbJXqddvDeXQ/viewform
To register:
Sign up in NCTERMS for the Burke Water SAR EX October 8-10
Scan the QR Code as well on the flyer provided..
Exercise Overview
The Burke County Water Rescue Full-Scale Exercise is a multi-discipline, operationally focused training event designed to enhance interagency coordination, technical rescue capabilities, and incident management effectiveness in water-based emergency environments. This exercise will integrate personnel and resources across multiple specialties to simulate realistic response conditions involving swift water, surface water, and subsurface operations.
Exercise Objectives
1. Operational Coordination & Incident Management
● Evaluate the ability of participating agencies to establish and operate within an Incident Command System (ICS) structure.
● Assess Incident Management Team (IMT) functionality, including task book completion opportunities on a first-come, first-served basis.
● Measure effectiveness of unified command, resource tracking, and operational planning.
2. Water Rescue Capabilities
● Demonstrate proficiency in swift water rescue operations, including victim location, stabilization, and recovery.
● Conduct surface water rescue scenarios utilizing coordinated rescue swimmer and shore-based techniques.
● Evaluate boat operations in both calm and swift water environments, including navigation, victim retrieval, and crew coordination.
3. Technical Water Search Operations
● Assess the deployment and effectiveness of ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and sonar systems in underwater search scenarios.
● Measure coordination between sonar operators, boat teams, and command staff for targeted search and recovery missions.
4. K9 Water Operations
● Evaluate K9 team integration into water and boat operations.
● Assess effectiveness of K9 units in search operations and handler coordination within multi-agency environments.
5. Communications & Information Technology
● Test interoperability of communications systems across agencies.
● Evaluate reliability of radio communications, data sharing, and IT support under operational conditions.
● Identify gaps in communication coverage and coordination.
6. Night Operations
● Assess operational readiness and safety during low-light conditions.
● Evaluate team adaptability, communication, and coordination during nighttime water rescue scenarios.
Exercise Schedule
(Thursday) – Setup & Early Registration
● 18:00 – Arrival, setup, and registration at WPCC Training Center
● No operational activities will occur on this date
(Friday) – Full Operations
● 07:00 – Morning registration
● 08:00 – Operational period begins
● Boat operations expected at Bridgewater (pending water flow conditions)
● Night operations (optional, based on participation)
○ Concludes no later than 22:00
(Saturday) – Continued Operations & Demobilization
● Operational periods continue
● Exercise concludes no later than 18:00
Participant Requirements
● Registration:
○ All participants must register through NC TERMS prior to the event.
○ Additional registration for WPCC will be completed upon arrival.
○ Each Team Leader/Supervisor or individual participant must complete the attached Google Form.
● Logistics:
○ Camping is available at the training grounds.
○ Participants must be self-sufficient for food and supplies. (working on food options)
○ Water will be provided
Safety & Control
● All operations will follow established safety protocols and ICS structure.
● A Safety Officer will be assigned to monitor all operational periods.
● Participation in night operations will be contingent on adequate staffing and safety oversight.
