Inshore rescue: New recruits at the ready
Since May 30, thirty-six inshore rescuers are at the ready, in the fluvial lakes and on the St. Lawrence River upstream from Deschambault–Grondines. These students and naval reservists are sharing search and rescue missions coordinated by the Québec City Marine Rescue Sub-Centre until September 1st.
Every spring, for over 35 years, the Canadian Coast Guard has been training rescuers to operate its summer Inshore Rescue Boat service. Rescue teams are located in Bainsville, Pointe-aux-Anglais, Beaconsfield, Longueuil, Sorel and Trois-Rivières. Each team consists of two crew members and one coxswain.
Rescuers respond to distress calls and requests for assistance, and can administer first aid. They are also called upon for oil spills and prevention activities.
Marine emergencies can be reported to the Canadian Coast Guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-463-4393 or 418-648-3599, from a cellular telephone by dialing *16, as well as by VHF radio on channel 16 (156.8 MHz), by digital selective calling (DSC/VHF) on channel 70 and by radiotelephone Medium Frequency (MF) 2182 kHz.
For more information on Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue services, visit the Canadian Coast Guard national website and MarInfo, the regional website.
Danielle Fortin
Canadian Coast Guard
During training, rescuers learn about the different types of flares.
