Volunteer marine rescuers on the West Coast have a new name and a new look as they continue their 150-year tradition of saving lives on the water.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue is the new name for the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary- Pacific, an all-volunteer organization with stations in 46 communities throughout British Columbia. The Sunshine Coast has volunteer auxiliaries in Gibsons, Halfmoon Bay and Pender Harbour.
"We work very closely with the Canadian Coast Guard but we are a totally separate organization," said Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) president Randy Strandt. "Our new name recognizes the distinct identity of our service, and helps emphasize the strong links we have to the communities that depend on us, and on which we depend for fundraising."
The name change affects more than a thousand members in British Columbia. RCM-SAR volunteers are on call around the clock and are often the first to respond to emergencies on the water. In the past year they have taken part in more than 700 missions and saved more than 140 lives. Their area of operation covers more than 29,000 square kilometres of B.C. coastline and includes some of the busiest waterways in the world.
RCM-SAR crews are supported by local societies, which raise funds for community-based rescue vessels. Funding comes from private donations, corporate contributions, community grants, legacies, local fundraising, and gaming grants.
"There is a long tradition of marine rescue service here on the West Coast, and our new name reflects a growing sophistication in the training we provide to our crews, the professional skills they bring to the public, and the amazing capability of the modern rescue vessels that they operate," said Strandt.
The title "Royal" was granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in February 2012 in recognition of the organization's long-standing service, broad geographic coverage, and philanthropic mandate.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue is accepting tax-deductible donations as well as applications for volunteer positions. For more information go to www.rcmsar.com.
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