Dispatch

Dear Friend of the Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society,

RCM-SAR Station Oak Bay is proud this year to celebrate our 41st anniversary of saving lives on the water. Our professionally-trained volunteer crews have responded to over 60 search and rescue missions in the past two years, maintaining our position as one of the busiest rescue stations along the B.C. coast.

In June this year, we welcomed the arrival of the new Canadian Coast Guard Life Boat Station at Fisherman’s Wharf. The addition of the 47’ vessel Cape Calvert and its daughter rigid hull inflatable Vic 1 has given us many excellent co-training opportunities as well as the chance to participate in joint rescue missions.

Notable rescues worthy of special mention include:

• search/locate/secure under tow a 35’ sailboat whose captain had lost power and was in danger of drifting onto a rocky shoal in sub-hurricane conditions late one night off Gordon Head
• Search & rescue of two canoeists (and their dog!) who had capsized in 3-foot seas off Telegraph Cove
• Rescue of 6 people who had capsized their outrigger canoe during a stormy race in Baynes Channel near Stongtide Island in The Chatham Islands.

Your past support of our Annual Appeal has helped make it possible for our volunteers to receive the training and equipment they need to continue to respond to marine emergencies in our community.

Crews stand ready to leave their families and jobs at a moment’s notice to help people in trouble on the water – 365 days a year.

We are also very active supporting local events such as The Oak Bay Tea Party and promoting boating safety with children and families including the Youth Paddling Club, MEC Paddlefest & Paddle for Health (Willows Beach & Cadboro Bay).

This year, we need your support more than ever: help us raise $430,000 by 2020 to replace our current rescue vessel (Oak Bay Sea Rescue 2) with the latest search and rescue technology to improve our capabilities and safe operations on the water.

Our New Rescue Vessel Campaign is the largest fundraising effort in our 41-year history – and we are nearly there. So far we have raised more than $300,000, with community grants and generous support from donors like you.

We’ve made good progress – and with your help we know we can do it!

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support our New Rescue Vessel Campaign or direct your contribution to one of our other areas of need.

Submit your donation by mail or donate online at www.obsr.ca via CanadaHelps. You can choose to be a monthly donor or give a gift of securities. If you would like to discuss leaving a legacy, please call me at 250-896-2625 or email president@obsr.ca.

Your donation goes directly to helping save lives on the water in our community. On behalf of our Board and especially our crew members, thank you so much for your support!

Sincerely,

Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society