Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week. We’ve had some much-needed rain and looks like it will be warming up over the weekend. Hard to believe that it’s almost the end of May!
After the long weekend, we watched as many boats headed south on Monday, May 24 during a strong wind warning for the Georgia Strait north of Nanaimo. We had never seen so many boats travelling through Welcome Pass for most of the morning and afternoon. Large yachts, sailboats and smaller boats, bounced through the whitecaps and rough waters making for what looked to be an uncomfortable ride. We also noticed the RCMSAR12 boat heading south, most likely responding to a vessel in trouble further up the pass.
I reached out to one of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 12 members to see if there might be some information that could be shared. Coxswain John Howcroft said a red kayak had been spotted on Franklin Island, which is a tiny island located on the south side of Merry Island. The RCMSAR12 team located the partially submerged kayak on the rocks but could not approach it as there were four- to six-foot waves crashing on the shore. They did a land approach from the north side, but it was unsafe to retrieve the kayak. “We continued to do several sweeps of the area,” Howcroft said, “and then the Coast Guard reported the owner had been found and the search was stopped.”
It is believed that the kayak broke free of the vessel it was on and that the owners should not retrieve it at that time. Howcroft advised the owner that the SAR team train in the area regularly so they would retrieve it when safe to do so.
Thank-you RCMSAR12 and the Coast Guard, for always being there and helping keep everyone safe on the water. We so appreciate you!
The Sargeant Bay Society (SBS) will be holding their AGM on Wednesday, June 9 and ask that if you would like to attend, be sure your membership is in good standing. Membership fees are $25 for three years or $10 for one year and can be paid via eTransfer to [email protected]. The SBS works to support, enhance and protect the ecologically sensitive habitats found within Sargeant Bay, its watershed and neighbouring wetlands. Volunteers from the society also help protect other wetlands and watersheds within Halfmoon Bay, including Smuggler Cove Marine Park. Volunteers regularly monitor and maintain Sargeant Bay Park and continue to ensure the safety of all creatures and their habitat.
During this time of the year, there are various birds in the marsh area taking care of their young, including a Canada goose family with their goslings. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
Along with two animal-proof garbage bins, a bright blue recycle bin has been installed for bottles and cans. This is another step closer to ensuring that those who visit have a convenient and easy place to dispose of their garbage and recyclables. As always, it is very much appreciated to keep our parks clean and safe for all who visit as well as the creatures that reside in them.
If you would like to join SBS or want more information, send an email to the above noted address or visit their website at sarbay.ca.
Be safe, be gentle, and always be kind.
Have your “Say at the Bay,” please contact me before 5 p.m. on Mondays. [email protected].
