GBA - Summer 2019

4 ≥ www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2019 Coast Guard Resources on Georgian Bay: Two SAR stations with fleet vessels: ≥ These are located in Meaford and Tobermory. At each of these locations there is a 47’ Motor Lifeboat and a Zodiac Hurricane (Fast Rescue Craft). SAR response from these stations runs from April until the end of December. These stations are staffed by full-time Coast Guard employees. Two Inshore Rescue Boat stations: ≥ These are located on Brebeuf Island near Honey Harbour and on Gereaux Island near Britt. SAR services are available from Victoria Day weekend until Labour Day. These stations use Zodiacs and are staffed by crews made up of post-secondary students. They receive comprehensive SAR and first-aid training annually. Five Coast Guard Auxiliary locations ≥ These are staffed by highly trained and dedicated volunteers – types of boats available vary by location. Locations and boats are as follows: ≥ Penetanguishene – Thunder Spirit ≥ Parry Sound – 2 boats: Cambrian and Carling Fire ≥ Owen Sound – Fundy Gate ≥ Wasaga Beach – Off Duty ≥ Killarney – Herbert Fisheries For more information about the Coast Guard, check out the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqOhPjYMNw0 What’s at Parry Sound? With the Coast Guard Auxiliary focused on SAR in Parry Sound, the Coast Guard base in Parry Sound is focused on other important Coast Guard tasks such as icebreaking services and maintaining channel markers. If you notice a missing or out-of-place channel marker, you can alert them to it by calling 705-773-4322. They also have two Bell helicopters that are used primarily for navigation but can also help with aerial searches. They do not have victim pick-up hoists, but they can land if necessary. They also have environmental response equipment. To report marine pollution, call 1-800-265-0237. Continued from page 2 Source: Canadian Coast Guard Source: Canadian Coast Guard What we can do for the Coast Guard? In a word: RAMSARD A Risk Analysis of Marine Search and Rescue Delivery (RAMSARD) study will be undertaken by the Coast Guard starting in 2019. It is a five-year study. The Coast Guard has asked the GBA to help reach stakeholders for their input. This is a great initiative as it will allow the GBA and our member associations to have input into the study and potentially into the future deployment of Coast Guard resources in our area. Check back here and at https://georgianbay.ca for further updates. Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon assists a commercial vessel out of Midland Harbour The Canadian Coast Guard’s Parry Sound-based Bell 412EPi helicopter lands in South Baymouth