On behalf of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Stations 12, 14 & 61, and our partners in safety and preparation, Sunshine Coast (Land) Search and Rescue, we extend the very best wishes of the season to all of our friends, generous donors and fellow outdoor adventurers. We also extend a gracious thank you to the Local for sharing our dispatches so generously throughout the year.
With winter upon us, our teams have been busy doing fog and foul-weather training on land and sea, with new recruits joining our crews and preparing for new challenges.
Sunshine Coast (Land) Search and Rescue recently hosted a year-end dinner and recognition night. Members were recognized for their long-term volunteer commitment to search and rescue including the annual Top Pick award. Members also recently volunteered their time to help out the Elves Club in their annual drive.
SCSAR member Sue Duxbury is now trained to present “Adventure Smart”, a suite of five national prevention programs focused on reaching Canadians, and visitors to Canada, who participate in outdoor recreational activities. All programs are free.
• Hug a tree and survive (kids)
• Paddlesmart (16- plus)
• Snow Safety (grade 4 and up)
• Survive Outside (adults)
• Snowmobile Safety (16- plus)
Please contact Sue 604-740-1687 or email: Landcruiser@dccnet.com
Station 61 has officially kicked off its fundraising campaign with the intent to purchase a type 11 vessel. Pender Harbour’s Rotary group has generously donated to the cause and a community education campaign was held at the John Henry’s Christmas Market.This summer’s group of new RCM SAR recruits have been training tirelessly and many have completed their Radio Operators Certificate Marine course, first aid and even RHIOT school for advanced crew in Bamfield. All Stations have extremely enthusiastic and dedicated new recruits well on their way to becoming leaders in each station. We are pleased and honored by their level of commitment to our station and our SAR mandate.
Station 14 (Gibsons) participated in a multi-unit coordinated search for a missing boater and his vessel (eventually located in the Strait) and recently assisted and towed a disabled sailboat off Bonniebrook. Join us for January 1st Polar Bear Swim at Armours Beach at 11am or at Davis Bay with the Lions Club & Station 12 (Halfmoon Bay). All members of the Coast are invited to enjoy hot chocolate, certificates for swimmers and prizes for best costume.
‘Tis the season of making lists, and checking them twice, and if ever there was a call to action that your SAR teams believe in, that is it. As you plan your hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, back country skiing or boating this winter, please remember to make a route plan, share it with a friend or relative, and check your gear twice before heading out to enjoy our magnificent coast and coastal mountains. Play safe, and the very best of the season to all.
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