Community Partnership in Action: Supporting Marine Rescue

Posted by Afshid Nazar
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West Vancouver Rotary Sunrise proudly supports Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM•SAR) Station 1, a volunteer-led team based at Horseshoe Bay that has long served the BC coast. Station 1’s trained volunteers provide year-round marine rescue, community safety programs, and emergency response. Operating mainly through community donations, RCM•SAR relies on local support to maintain its vessels and continue its vital life-saving work — a mission Rotary Sunrise is honoured to champion.

Community Partnership in Action: Supporting Marine Rescue

 

Supporting Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue – Station 1, West Vancouver

West Vancouver Rotary Sunrise is proud to support RCM•SAR Station 1, based at Horseshoe Bay Dock. This volunteer-run organization has been saving lives on the BC coast for over a century. With 31 stations and 878 crew members, RCM•SAR responds to marine emergencies 24/7.

In 2024, Station 1 completed 31 missions, contributed 5,000 volunteer hours, and spent over 450 hours on the water, assisting those in need.

Community Partnership in Action: Supporting Marine Rescue

 

What They Do

  • Search & Rescue: Responding to emergencies through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

  • Community Outreach: Events like Ride for Rescue and Forest of Miracles.

  • Water Safety: Kids Don’t Float life-jacket loaner program.

  • Community Partnership in Action: Supporting Marine Rescue

  • Event Patrols: Safety support at fireworks and regattas.

  • Courtesy Checks: Promoting safety at local yacht clubs.

 

Their Fleet

  • CRAIG RAE SPIRIT: Type 2 jet boat, self-righting, twin Volvo diesels, 38 knots.

  • SCOTTY GRUBB: Type 1 vessel with shock mitigation, twin Yamaha engines, 40 knots.

 

Funding & Support

Operating on an annual budget of $300,000, Station 1 relies on community donations for new vessels and major repairs. Rotary Sunrise is honoured to help sustain its vital work.

Recent Highlights

In July 2024, Station 1 volunteers rescued 18 people from a sinking yacht near Passage Island and assisted in a cliff rescue at Lighthouse Park.

 

Join Us

RCM•SAR volunteers dedicate a full year to training and serve in all weather conditions. Support their mission through donations, fundraising, or volunteering.