Are you safe on the Sound? Volunteers are working year-round to ensure you are.
Squamish’s population is growing rapidly, as we know from past census data, and recent approximations. So this means there’s a stronger likelihood of increased boating and recreational activities on the water.
The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers who dedicate many evenings and weekends to training, come rain or shine.
Station 4 Squamish, located by the yacht club on Howe Sound, is one of more than 30 of the RCM-SAR marine stations along B.C.’s coastline from Vancouver up to the province’s northern shores.
The Squamish Chief had the opportunity to jump aboard one of the RCM-SAR rescue vessels with the crew, who were happy to share their knowledge and training techniques, after carrying out a mitigation and risk assessment in the harbour.
With safety gear worn at all times and high speed, including a life-jacket and a helmet, the RCM-SAR took this reporter up and down Howe Sound, all the way to Porteau Cove and back, in spectacular sunny weather.
Although the visibility was “perfect,” according to coxswain Helen Honig, all caution was still adhered to.
The vessel maintained a 200-metre berth from land at all times. Crew member Kelly Dean explained that the vessel could not be in less than 2.5 metres of water and must turn upon sensing any debris to ensure optimum safety. Debris and obstacles were identified by radar, which was monitored continuously.
One hand at all times was to be kept on the vessel so as not to be thrown about the deck or indeed overboard, Honig explained. She said all crew aboard had to have a minimum level of competence across all disciplines, such as navigation and first aid, should they need to switch roles arbitrarily.
The crew conducted safety demonstrations, in which a “man” (in this case, a water-logged dummy nicknamed Randy) was rescued from the water.
“When we pull people into the vessel, there are several different methods we can utilize, based on the person’s status,” Honig said.
“If they’re…awake and clearly with no injuries… we do assist them quicker but [with a] slightly more aggressive method. If they’re unconscious… we do a gentler method.”
Honig explained that it is “really important” to get a casualty in the vessel properly. Lines are used to pull the casualty out of the water, because if they are grabbed by their life-jacket, it is possible they could slip out of the safety vest.
The crew also demonstrated an example of a search and rescue. Crew member Heidi Specht removed her brightly coloured life-jacket to create a realistic situation in which the visibility of the shoreline would be limited, even in what Honig described as perfect weather conditions.
Dean also demonstrated the use of infrared cameras, which were used to identify body heat; though in high temperatures, a human body was “barely visible” among rocks heated up all day by the sun.
Crew member Danielle Samels described the importance of being able to navigate and ensure visibility.
“The darkness is hard. It’s a treat when we can actually boat in the light,” Samels said.
“We use radar for everything. It’s a lot of faith in our navigation.”
The RCM-SAR meets every Tuesday and Thursday on the water, for 10 months out of the year. Indoor theory classes are also held on Thursdays for any volunteers not on the water.
Furthermore, Samels explained that during winter, the same equipment is used, except for additional layers of clothing, and headlamps, which are dimmed to enable night-vision.
The RCM-SAR volunteers are on call 24/7 to assist you. Their contact details, as well as opportunities to donate and volunteer, can be found on their website, or on Facebook.
To donate to the organization, go to Canada Helps.
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter.
This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
