6 minute read
Marine volunteers honoured
BY MARINA SACHT
There is a lot that can go wrong on the water. You could run out of gas. Your boat could catch fire. Someone could fall overboard. You could hit a rock, or a worn seacock could let go. And then there are all the medical emergencies –magnified by the fact that you may be miles away at sea.
The members of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 29 in Ladysmith know all about that. They are the busiest station in the province.
This hard-working team has just been recognized with the prestigious national Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award ceremony, held on February 26 in Ottawa. Deputy Station Leader Ross Davis accepted the award for the 31 active volunteers who deliver emergency services 24 hours a day, year-round.
Station 29 is recognized for excelling in delivering marine emergency response to federal and provincial taskings, providing marine safety support to the community, and making significant contributions to the RCMSAR regional organization and its stations throughout the province.
In 2024, the station was the busiest of all 30 RCMSAR rescue stations in British Columbia, with 50 rescue missions, a vigorous on-the-water and classroom training program for crew, and extensive community service.
Ladysmith SAR 29 Station responds to marine emergencies day and night in all conditions, including challenging ones.
Through the years, members have received several awards and commendations.
“I think it's great recognition for the station and for the members, because everybody's involved in what we do, from the basics of Kids Don't Float, meetings, vessel checks, training, maintenance and being available for calls,” said Ross Davis, Deputy Station Leader, RCMSAR 29.
Sue Wisely, Station Leader, RCMSAR Station 29, says she was surprised to learn that there would be so many applications and that they're choosing this station from this small community, from everyone across Canada.
“It's humbling too, because I feel that as much as our station deserves this award, and that's a great honour, it shines a light on the whole organization, for all the RCMSAR stations across BC.”
During 2024, responses included grounded and sinking vessels, persons in the water, medical emergencies requiring assistance, packaging and transport of ill or injured persons from vessels or shorelines, breakdowns and towing vessels to safety, support to ambulance service, fire/rescue, coroner, and recovery operations involving RCMP and Land Search and Rescue.
They recently concluded a very active training program in 2024, with nearly 100 training sessions on the water and just as many training sessions in the classroom with many volunteer hours committed. Training opportunities are often arranged with neighbouring RCMSAR stations and the Canadian Coast Guard crews so they can easily work together in emergency response situations.
The Station is part of the Town of Ladysmith’s Protective Services, which involves agencies and groups such as BC Ambulance, RCMP, Fire/Rescue, Cowichan Valley Regional District, City Council, Ground SAR, and local First Nation representation.
Station 29 is very active in supporting marine safety and education. With the help of funding from the Western Group, it maintains six “Kids Don’t Float” children’s PFD loaner kiosks at local marinas. Members provide safety talks and demonstrations to the community. The Station offers pleasure craft safety checks. This is a voluntary inspection that provides feedback on safety equipment on board.
RCMSAR 29 recruits new crew members annually. You don't need a lot of marine experience to start, but progression to full crew status involves significant time and effort. Members may be called to respond at any time if they are available to do so and may encounter uncomfortable and sometimes challenging conditions.
Wisely has been on 103 missions since joining in September 2018 and has been a certified crew member since May 2019. A tragedy led her to volunteer with search and rescue: A close friend lost her son in a canoeing accident. They were not wearing life jackets.
“I also felt strongly that everyone should know how important it is to wear a life jacket on the water. And I was determined to do what I could to help other families avoid going through what my friend experienced.”
While not all missions are life-and death situations, every one involves someone who needs help while on the water.
Those situations required them to be there with expert training and knowledge, as well as operational and safety equipment, to help in whatever situation they were called into.
However, what the government assistance RCMSAR receives does not fully fund the cost of training and equipment. In fact, each local station and its group of volunteers are responsible for covering the costs of their rescue vessels, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each, plus maintenance and repair. For example, the cost of fuel alone last year was $12,490.48!
Davis and Wisely are grateful to their supporters. They also count on supporters' generosity to help fund the additional on-the-water training their volunteers need for the wide range of equipment and services needed to keep their boats running and the crew safe.
This year is particularly costly as their vessel Community Spirit is currently in Sidney for its 10 + year refit. Estimates are around $50,000 but may be higher (the refit costs are expected to be in excess of $170,000.00.). In the meantime, Station 29 has the use of Station 35 – Victoria’s vessel, the Spirit of James Bay, under a loan payment agreement. Over the last few years, the not-for-profit society, the Ladysmith & District Marine Rescue Society, has raised funds for this refit, but since the vessel went in for service in November 2024, costs have increased, leaving the society "a little thin." Donations are appreciated.
As well as donations, you can help by volunteering, either for crew or behind the scenes support such as boathouse/vessel maintenance, fund-raising, and publicity, and much more. To learn more, visit the Station website at rcmsar29.com or follow on Facebook @RCMSAR Station 29.
Davis sums it up. “This is a great opportunity to learn more about the water. When you get a call at two o'clock in the morning, it's not the same as the sunny afternoon in the middle of summer, but, you know, it all has its pluses, and it's been a great learning experience.”
