It's a chance to get out on the water and experience what it's like to be a first responder.
The Canadian Coast Guard [CCG] Auxiliary is recruiting for its local search and rescue team.
Leader Greg Grimes said PointSAR Marine Rescue, also known as CCG Auxiliary Unit 512, has been operating for the past 15 years.
"Currently, we have about 20 active members that volunteer their time," said Grimes. "We like to be in the 25 to 30 [member] range. So we're looking to recruit a minimum of five new members."
Grimes said members receive multi-phase training on a regular basis.
"We have some members who live in Corunna, or out in the county, but work in Sarnia or Point Edward and have an employer who will let them leave during the day. So, it's not limited to Point Edward residents," he said. "We all take turns responding to the boat when an emergency call comes in."
Applicants should be able to respond to the dock safely within 20 minutes, be available for weekly training, and on-call shifts during the boating season to assist with searches, rescue calls, patrol shifts and first aid.
They'll also be asked to assist with special events like offshore boat races, the Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat races and the unsanctioned float down.
"To become a member of PointSAR you have to be 18 years of age, you need your pleasure craft operator's card or be able to acquire it before we start the training," said Grimes.
The team will go into service this month and remain available until early November.
"Monday, April 15 is when we want to start," Grimes said. "We like to be in the water before a lot of the fishing derbies kick off. So, that gives us the opportunity to provide coverage and response for any of the fishing boats that are out doing the fishing derbies."
The crew used to launch later in spring when the water was warmer, but has been working to acquire more gear for cold temperatures.
"That type of equipment needs to be hung to dry after use, it needs to be readily available. We've relied on dock boxes [for storage], but we need to be able to property store the equipment," Grimes said.
Fundraising is underway for a small utility shed to be located in Bridgeview Marina, where their vessel is docked.
"The cost of the shed is around $5,000," he said. "We have raised about half of that so far, so we're looking to acquire another $2,500."
For application information, or to make a donation to the dockside storage shed fund, visit www.PointSAR.ca.
