We are the Charity that Saves Lives on the Water
What We Do
Ready to respond to marine emergencies, our well-trained volunteer crews are on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
RCMSAR’s mission is to save lives on the water.
Our volunteers provide marine search and rescue through partnership and collaboration with the communities of British Columbia, federal and provincial governments, Indigenous, industry and other agencies. Our crews are highly trained and equipped with specialized rescue vessels designed for the marine challenges of the West Coast.
How We Save Lives
Through an agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard we are called out to marine emergencies by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria. We are also available to provide support for on the water humanitarian aid when called upon by provincial authorities. RCMSAR Station 5’s volunteer base and operations are managed by the local station leadership. Our local society, Semiahmoo Peninsula Marine Rescue Society, is here to raise funds and support Station 5. There is also oversight from RCMSAR headquarters in Sooke BC.
SAR Prevention
We don’t just respond to emergencies; we work to prevent them. RCMSAR Station 5 volunteers provide boating safety information, pleasure craft safety checks, and attend all water-based events on the Semiahmoo Peninsula.
Preventing Emergencies On Our Waters
RCMSAR Station 5 not only covers boating emergencies; but we also cover all locally based water activities and events in and around White Rock Beach and Crescent Beach, the two major beaches south of the Fraser River. We work to prevent incidents by providing water and shore support for many community events including; White Rock Polar Swim, Surrey Hospital Foundation Stand Up Paddle Board Charity Race, White Rock Sea Festival, Canada Day Fireworks, Nicomekl Rowing Club Regatta, and other popular events.
Pleasure Craft Safety Checks
Not sure what safety gear you need? RCMSAR Station 5 offers free safety checks for small craft operators. Our members will be happy to visit your boat at the dock and provide a courtesy check. They’ll make sure you have the safety equipment you need to comply with various safety regulations and stay safe in the environment where you’ll be boating.
It’s free, quick, and confidential.
Watch for our notices, we will be at the Crescent Beach Marina in early May on a Saturday, or contact us at for more information at StationLeader@RCMSAR5.ca.
Promoting Safety On The Water
RCMSAR Station 5 volunteers promote on water safety by participating in community events. Station members will attend with their vessels and equipment and also have land-based displays and volunteers that are available to talk about SAR prevention, safety on the water, and to promote community-based interagency initiatives. We also bring local youth groups to our station at Crescent Beach Marina to teach about safety on the water.
“…thank-you for your participation in our recent Boaters’ Day event. We wish to commend your member, Rona Tepper, who spent a rainy day with us enthusiastically providing our members with courtesy safety inspections. She is an excellent ambassador for the RCMSAR, and it was a real pleasure to have her in attendance.”
“The easily recognizable RCMSAR Station 5 safety boat and professionally trained volunteers are integral to the safe running of this regatta. They help ensure the safety of the rowing athletes, and other motorized boaters on the water. The Blackie Spit waters are challenging to manoeuvre in, with strong tidal currents, wind and low tides. The RCMSAR team always assist in working with our regatta volunteers and problem solve any issues.”
“Volunteering, for me, provides companionship among like-minded people, a chance to broaden my skills – all while providing safety on the water – and an overall sense of pride when being able to support the local community.”
Volunteer
Interested in becoming a volunteer at a Rescue Station near you? Learn what it takes and what qualifications you need.
Support Our Work
Discover how you can save lives on the water too by supporting RCMSAR. Support volunteer training or help purchase new equipment for a Rescue Station near you.
