Brighton Marine Rescue is recruiting volunteers to help save lives on the water. /Terry Cox photo
Brighton Marine Rescue (BMR) is hoping area residents will answer a call to help save lives on the water.
Located at the Bay Street marina along Presqu’ile Bay in Gosport, BMR is described as a registered federal charity and provincial not-for-profit dedicated to “Saving Lives on the Water” – these volunteers answer search and rescue and distress calls when people need help most, explained outgoing unit leader Terry Cox.
And the unit is 100 per cent volunteer powered, providing 24/7 help free of charge during the boating season, added Cox.
But to do just this, the unit needs help, and is hoping to rally new recruits ahead of this year’s boating season.
Cox noted the unit can go as high as 50 members. With higher numbers, this decreases the workload, and calls better shared amongst volunteers who may also have other volunteer roles and responsibilities, jobs, et cetera.
It can be a challenging, but highly rewarding role, said Cox, who’s served with the unit more than a decade now.
And someone needs to answer the calls for help.
“We’ve got a ‘fairly new to us’ rescue vessel, stationed in Gosport,” added Cox.
It’s got some interesting equipment on board, too, to aid in searches, explained Cox.
Cox and the team have put out the call hoping those with a few hours to spare through the weeks this season and with a passion for helping others will answer.
There are some basic requirements – with a full listing accessible online and/or upon request – among them basic boating knowledge and experience, a pleasure craft operator’s card, residing within 30 minutes response time of the unit’s dock, the ability to commit to a few hours per week throughout the season, training, and the like.
Some of the training/qualifications can be obtained as volunteers progress (within certain timeframes.) The unit also provides lots of training, as well as works with and trains often with 8 Wing Trenton’s 424 squadron, the Cobourg Coast Guard, and other area partners, noted Cox.
In other words, while volunteers, the unit is highly trained and professional, providing a critical service, explained the crew.
“We meet every other week for a training session – two-to-three hours – and then we do some special training on weekends. We do a fair amount of training with 424 squadron out of Trenton,” added Cox.
“If you want some excitement, have a helicopter over top of you splashing water on you at 2 o’clock in the morning – it’s a lot of fun,” said Cox, with a hint of laughter.
The unit, which has been in operation for more than 15 years or so, works with the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre, and other area allied agencies; including, such as Brighton fire, OPP, Wellington Auxiliary Coast Guard, and more.
Its on-water coverage to offshore areas include Brighton, Cramahe, and portions of Quinte West and Prince Edward County. In total, the unit provides search and rescue services covering more than 1,500 square kilometres, including Lake Ontario from Colborne to the Murray Canal, to the U.S. border, and Weller’s and Presqu’ile bays.
Members come from all kinds of backgrounds and experience levels but are all grounded in service to others and have a desire to give back, noted the unit.
At the end of each season, the unit said it evaluates crews and membership, recognizing spots will open as part of normal attrition. This gives the crew the chance to recruit new volunteers.
Those interested in helping save lives on the water can find Brighton Marine Rescue online and on Facebook (where there is application info) or email info@brightonmarinerescue.ca.
Cox, whose term as unit leader is wrapping up at end of March, said he’s looking forward to welcoming new additions with fresh ideas into the fold. He’ll still be around helping after this, just in a different capacity.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
