Volunteers Needed as Pickering Marine Rescue Unit Turns 60

A marine search and rescue unit located in Pickering, Ont. is on the lookout for more volunteers as it nears its 60th anniversary. 

PARA Marine Search and Rescue (SAR) responds to emergencies occurring on Lake Ontario from April to November. 

This unit is part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, a national volunteer organization focused on water rescue and safety. It handles about 30 incidents annually, according to Justin Tumino, the deputy unit leader. 

PARA Marine SAR patrols the shorelines of Pickering, Whitby, and Ajax. The organization receives calls through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ont., which manages search and rescue operations.

The types of calls can vary from abandoned jet skis to individuals stranded in the water. A few years back, Tumino mentioned that they participated in a rescue involving two kids on an inflatable unicorn who drifted away from Oshawa’s shoreline.

Weather conditions can sometimes be tough, including storms and freezing temperatures. 

“We try not to say no at any given point because there’s somebody stranded out there,” Tumino said. 

“We want to make sure we can help.” 

The unit began its operations in 1967 and has undergone several name changes over time. 

Currently, there are around 40 boat crew volunteers involved. They have the option to join the emergency call responder list since the unit operates around-the-clock.

Sarina Burry, a first-year crew member, and Zachary Eyre, the unit’s maintenance officer, took part in a training session on Wednesday, June 3. They rescued a Durham Regional Police marine unit officer acting as a victim stranded in Lake Ontario. (Rochelle Raveendran/CBC)

Sarina Burry has just completed her first year as a crew member. She mentioned she had experience with boating and first aid before joining the team.

“I’m someone who loves helping out my community,” she said. “It just feels natural.” 

Burry and Tumino were part of a five-person team that participated in a training exercise on Lake Ontario on Wednesday, June 3. The crew members rescued an officer from Durham Regional Police’s marine unit who acted as someone stranded in the water.

They utilized a device called Jason’s Cradle to lift him onto their boat and then performed a medical evaluation.

The unit conducts regular training sessions throughout the year.

Funds will go towards new boat: deputy unit leader

PARA Marine SAR is seeking individuals with both boating skills and administrative experience.

“If you have a passion for helping out your community and you want to make a difference … that’s someone we’re looking for,” Burry stated.

The unit aims to replace its nearly 30-year-old boat with a newer model that could cost between $1.5 million and $2 million. (Prasanjeet Choudhury/CBC)

Volunteers come from “all walks of life,” according to Tumino. He works as a property manager himself but mentions others include firefighters or IT professionals.

If you’re interested in joining the boat crew, you’ll need your pleasure craft operating card issued by Transport Canada.

TUMINO explained that PARA Marine SAR covers costs related to additional certifications and training.

The organization also needs land-based volunteers for administrative tasks and fundraising efforts.

Tumino emphasized they’re trying to raise funds for replacing their nearly three-decade-old boat that’s nearing its end of life span because newer models will better handle rougher conditions near Lake Ontario’s shoreline.

The new vessel may cost somewhere between $1.5 million and $2 million,
he added.

TUMINO shared that PARA Marine SAR gets funding support from Ajax, Pickering, Whitby along with Region of Durham; however they’ve yet found any grant large enough for such significant purchases.

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