Things to Know About Inshore Rescue Boat Stations

2019-06-27

Guylaine Beaudoin

For the safety of recreational boaters, the Canadian Coast Guard operates 26 inshore rescue boat stations in Canada, 6 of which are located along the St. Lawrence River.

The stations’ seasonal activities began at noon on May 29 and will continue until September 2 on weekdays and until September 29 on weekends.
The stations are located in Saint‑Zotique, Vaudreuil, Beaconsfield, Longueuil, Sorel and Trois‑Rivières, strategically placed along the St. Lawrence River to allow crews to respond quickly, thus reducing the number and severity of marine incidents.
For the 2019 season, two stations have been relocated: Saint‑Zotique replaces the former station in Bainsville, Ontario, and Vaudreuil (Lac des Deux Montagnes) replaces the one in Pointe‑aux‑Anglais. These relocations will enable the Canadian Coast Guard to consolidate its activities and bring resources closer to busy areas to provide them with better service.
Each station relies on two teams that take turns every 14 days. Each of these teams consists of one coxswain and two crew members. Available 24 hours a day for 2 weeks, they are housed on site and receive a meal allowance. The hours of operation are from noon to 8 p.m.
The crews’ primary mission is to respond to distress calls made to 1‑800‑463‑4393, regardless of the urgency level. These may include fires aboard vessels, groundings, breakages or medical emergencies. In 2018, crews saved 36 lives and handled 486 cases. They also play a preventive role with the public through their active participation in pleasure craft courtesy checks with Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety Program.
Crew members take advantage of slow periods to improve their knowledge, particularly in first aid, boat handling and navigation. Training and education are part of their day-to-day lives and ensure that they can provide reliable service to people in difficulty.
Students are recruited as crew members through the Federal Student Work Experience Program. Applications must be submitted online in the fall.

For more information, visit the Inshore Rescue Boat Service.

Remember, if you go out on the water, be careful and wear your life jacket!

Have a great summer!