If youre out on Richmonds waters this summer, you may find a marine search and rescue crew pulling up alongside you.
But it wont necessarily be in an emergency the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) crew could be offering you a free safety check under a new $150,000 program supported by Transport Canada.
Were doing something new this boating season, said RCMSAR president Jim Lee.
While weve always promoted boating safety with shore-based programs, this year our search and rescue crews will offer safety checks for pleasure craft that are away from the dock and out on the water.
Our search and rescue crews in Richmond will have even more opportunity to connect with the boating public, help boaters ensure they have all the safety gear they need, and promote what we call search and rescue prevention.
The Vessel Safety Survey Program is strictly voluntary and will be provided as a courtesy to boaters who request it.
Crews will approach vessels and offer to check items such as personal flotation devices, signalling devices, fire extinguishers, bailers, radar reflectors, navigation charts and other items.
RCMSAR crews are search and rescue specialists and dont provide enforcement.
The program is aimed at reducing deaths and injuries from boating accidents; as there have been around 560 boating-related deaths in B.C. between 1991 and 2008.
During the past year, RCMSAR crews were called out on more than 690 missions to assist people on the water in the province, with the services Station 10 in Richmond responding to more than 50 calls in 2012.
As the busy summer boating season gets underway, this will be a great way for us to make contact with boaters on the water and help them make sure their vessels are safe, said Richmond RCMSAR Station leader Kevin Robertson.
The waters in our area can be dangerous, and these safety surveys will reduce the likelihood of people needing us to rescue them.
Station 10 is one of more than 40 in B.C., providing marine search and rescue along the Fraser River and into the Strait of Georgia.
For more information, visit www.rcmsar.com/sar-prevention or contact Station 10 at [email protected].
