Richmond’s Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue team is hoping to secure more stable support from the City of Richmond.
Brian Hobbs, a lead volunteer search and rescuer for RCMSR told Richmond’s safety committee he would like more secure, year-over-year support from the city, as presently much of what the group receives are “one-offs.”
For instance, Hobbs said the team uses Steveston Pool for training but it has to ask the city each year for permission to do so.
Hobbs’ report to the committee was a generally positive one, as Hobbs noted in 2015 the team made 63 calls, saving six people from a serious incident while helping 51 others on the Fraser River.
He said the city being able to facilitate a new base in Steveston Harbour has shaved response times from 17 minutes to 15 minutes.
He said river users have recently been acting relatively safe.
“More and more people are definitely using the water, so it’s nice to be able to keep the call volume down,” said Hobbs.
RCMSR is looking for a new north/middle arm base, as well, with Milltown Marina being an option. Hobbs said the location would prove more convenient for north arm operations and could entice Vancouver-based volunteers.
With a budget of $45,000-60,000 Hobbs said the team relies on donations and provincial gaming grants. The federal government reimburses costs associated with service calls, noted Hobbs.
Councillors said they would take Hobbs’ advice under consideration.
