Thank heavens the Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society is finally getting the boathouse they so rightfully deserve.
My husband has been involved with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (OBSR station 33) for the past five years and like the general public, I too never realized they did not get federal funding and they are totally separate from the Canadian Coast Guard.
The RCMSA share some training courses with the Canadian Coast Guard but they are a non-profit who constantly have to fundraise to keep afloat. (No pun intended.)
The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue has 60 stations on our coastline which play a pivotal role in rescuing both people and small craft.
They are staffed by 2,000 members who volunteer their time, all the while meeting family and job expectations. These are the people who could well save your life if you came into difficulty in our often treacherous waters.
Like other emergency services personnel they often risk their own lives and should be commended for their bravery and unselfishness.
So impressed was Prince William after hearing about this organization, that he granted it the “Royal” designation just before his wedding.
The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue is totally British Columbian and we should be proud of it and give it our full support.
Rachel McDonnell
Oak Bay