News & Announcements from RCMSAR
Mom and Two Young Children Stranded on Sidney Island
Late one overcast and rainy afternoon, we were paged to rescue a mother and two young children who had been stranded on Sidney Island, off the east coast of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island. They were part of a larger camping group that had been partially...
Quick Action Saves Downed Windsurfer
During a routine exercise on the water, our team received a distress call about a windsurfer separated from their board and struggling in the water. Racing against time, we quickly located the caller on the beach, who directed us to the windsurfer's location.We...
Boater Rescued after Capsizing
One of our stations received a tasking one afternoon to respond to a MayDay. The on-call crew were notified, and after assembling at the boathouse, they were brief and each assigned duties. After completing their pre-departure checks, they left base and arrived at the...
Donate to RCMSAR
Your contributions help support our volunteer training and our keep our equipment in excellent condition. Donations are also used for prevention programs that save lives on the water before a rescue is needed.
National Drowning Prevention Week
Drowning is one of the biggest causes of preventable death Did you know that 67% of drownings occur from May to September? According to Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon’s Drowning Board & Map, 59% of all boating related water-related fatalities occur when...
Safe Boating Awareness Week comes to an end – but messages of safety do not!
Safe Boating Awareness Week has been the mainstay of communicating the messages of “boating safety” among millions of Canadian Boaters each year. Over the past week, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) volunteers and our boating safety partners have...
RCMSAR Station 4 Squamish rescues canoer stranded for 96 hours
On May 18, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 4 Squamish was tasked in search of an overturned solo canoer. Within 16 minutes of the call RCMSAR04 departed and quickly located the individual who was stranded on the steep rocky shore for almost 96 hours...
National Safe Boating Awareness Week 2021
North American Safe Boating Awareness Week takes place from May 22 to May 28, 2021. The purpose of Safe Boating Awareness Week (SBAW) is to promote safe and responsible boating practices in our communities across Canada. This awareness campaign is managed by the CSBC...
RCMSAR celebrates National Volunteer Week 2021
A message of gratitude to all RCMSAR Volunteers, It is hard to believe that National Volunteer Week 2021 is upon us again from 18 to 24 April. For most of us, it has been a year unlike any other with the challenges imposed by COVID-19 and the restriction it brought....
RCMSAR celebrates Women in Marine Search and Rescue!
From station leaders to coxswains, training officers and support volunteers, we have women learning, leading and training others to save lives. Station 29-Ladysmith's Carol-Ann Kjartanson describes her experience as a Coxswain and Training Officer and shares what you...
Awards Program Carries on Strong
Now in its third year, the RCMSAR awards program has proved a great success, raising awareness of the excellent work done by our volunteers in their local communities, including highlighting innovative new approaches and technologies. those involved in the global...
Bill Riggs Joins RCMSAR as CEO
Bill Riggs has joined the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue headquarters team as Chief Executive Officer following a broad nation-wide search. “Bill brings a proven and impressive track record to the position,” said Chris Gouglas, Chairman of the RCMSAR Board of...
RCMSAR Welcomes Interim CEO Ken Burton
As RCMSAR's search for a new CEO gets underway, Captain Ken Burton will be taking on the role of Interim CEO during the transition. Appointed to the RCMSAR Board of Governors in 2015, Captain Burton has stepped down from his position with the Board to be able to act...
RCMSAR bids farewell to CEO Pat Quealey
On July 5, RCMSAR Headquarters staff said a bittersweet goodbye to Chief Executive Officer, Pat Quealey, who is moving on to a new role with the Canadian Red Cross in British Columbia and Yukon. For three years, Pat led RCMSAR with a fierce dedication to mission,...
What’s In a Name? – by John Johnston
What’s in a name? John Johnston shares his experience and the importance of naming RCMSAR vessels to acknowledge contributions of outstanding members and keep their memories alive. At last years SAREX in Sooke, I had the opportunity to work as a dock marshal. Over...
Wild weather keeps RCMSAR busy in February
Last month was the coldest February on record for Vancouver, and the wild weather didn't stop with the frozen temperatures. High winds and unprecedented snowstorms wreaked havoc, and RCMSAR Stations all over the province were called to action. While warmer weather...
Volunteer With RCMSAR
Interested in becoming a volunteer? We would love to hear from you.
Contact your local RCMSAR Rescue Station for more information.