For the past 31 years, Richmond Search and Rescue volunteers have dedicated countless hours to the worthy cause, scouring the waves for vessels gone adrift and pulling people out of cold water.
The organization is completely volunteer-run, like the other 40 or so Search and Rescue stations throughout the province.
But whats different from other units is that the RCMSAR Station 10 volunteers do approximately five times the prevention, boating safety and community work than any other unit along the coast, according to coxswain Brian Hobbs.
Its something weve definitely done on purpose, said Hobbs. Weve taken a proactive approach within the community to get involved so people know who we are.
To recruit more volunteers and provide safety tips for the upcoming boating season, the station is hosting an open house at OHares Gastropub this Saturday (May 4).
The event hopes to raise awareness and answer any questions current or prospective boaters may have.
The open house will highlight our work and give people a chance to meet the crew, said Hobbs. Hopefully, itll also spark some interest in joining.
Hobbs joined the crew nine years ago, as a way to give back to the community and learn some invaluable boating and rescue skills.
The training process takes about four to five months. Then volunteers need to be on call one night a week, and one weekend a month.
Its really cool, said the Richmond resident who works for the City of Vancouver. Its a good cause and really the only emergency team in Richmond you can volunteer with.
We have a lot of fun doing it, theres good camaraderie between us.
The team consists of about 20-30 volunteers accountants, policemen, salespeople by day, search and rescue members by night.
Even when not responding to calls, whichever crew is on call will take the boat out to train and get more experience.
One of my favourite things is to see members master new skills, the things theyve been struggling with during training, said Hobbs. You see their sense of pride and were all here for support.
One of the challenges the RCMSAR members face is navigating the river and understanding its currents.
Its something Hobbs also warns boaters gearing up for the season.
Sometimes people forget how strong the current is, or how the tides work, or how an influx of kayakers and paddle boarders can affect them, he said. So were trying to promote education and awareness leading up to this season.
In preparation, the team has extra training sessions for new volunteers and is on hand to provide tips to the community at events such as its open house.
Hobbs said the main causes are a lack of preparedness and knowledge before heading out on the water. The stations two vessels are scheduled to make appearances throughout this summer including Richmond Yacht Club Sail Past and Ships to Shore.
The open house at OHares runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with proceeds of a select menu going towards the organization. For more information, visit www.rcmsar.org.
