By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Every year thousands of boaters take to the local waters without basic navigation and boat handling skills and knowledge and lack proper safety equipment.
Proper education and safety equipment can mean the difference between a great day on the water and potential disaster.
Which is why organizations Guardian Marine Rescue and CanBoat/NautiSavoir have partnered up to offer free recreational vessel courtesy checks (RVCC) at several marinas throughout Essex County over the summer.
“We’re here to offer a little bit of public education, making sure that boaters are aware of the required basic equipment and knowledge, so we don’t have to go out and do a rescue,” said Guardian Marine Rescue treasurer, Tyler Burniston. “It’s a way to help people stay proactive and safe when they venture out on the waters.”
The group works closely with Windsor Police, OPP, LaSalle Police, RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and other local agencies to deliver effective and coordinated search and rescue operations. Although the organization has no powers of enforcement, the aforementioned policing services do.
“For instance, boaters are required to keep a flashlight on board for a reason, personal floatation devices are required for a reason, if something happens, you have the tools to stay safe.” said Burniston, who joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 17, and served with the Navy and Coast Guard.
“I’d rather somebody comes up to me and says, yeah, I really did need that piece of safety equipment because we ended up using it, as opposed to getting that ‘come save me’ call.”
Guardian Marine Rescue is a volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to marine search and rescue. Established in 2011, they are committed to saving lives and promoting safe boating activities in our communities. Their team operates out of Colchester and Lakeshore, providing critical services across Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair.
With a fleet that includes the Colchester Guardian and the Lakeshore Alida, the group is equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies on local waterways. Volunteers undergo rigorous training to ensure they are prepared for a variety of situations. Guardian Marine Rescue collaborate closely with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and other local agencies to deliver effective and coordinated search and rescue operations.
At Guardian Marine Rescue, their mission is to prevent loss of life and ensure the safety of boaters in our region 24/7. They also engage in public education initiatives to raise awareness about boating safety and the importance of being prepared on the water.
“We also engage in public education initiatives to raise awareness about boating safety and the importance of being prepared on the water,” added Burniston. “Through the support of our community and generous donors, we continue to enhance our capabilities and expand our reach, making our waters safer for everyone.”
Burniston says he loves being out on the water. “If I can help people safe out there, it’s even better.”
Peter Steeves is the commander of the Windsor Power and Sail Squadron.
“We offer boating education, so if you are out on the water, you know you’re going to be safe,” said Steeves. “Today, we are offering our courtesy boat check, where we ask people if they would like to have us inspect their boats. Do you have the basics…fire extinguishers, life jackets…that kind of stuff that the government regulates. A little bit of education helps those beginners get started.”
Steeves recommends boaters getting your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, taking a course on basic navigation and handling, as well as a Maritime Radio course/VHF Radio Certification. For more information visit windsorpowerandsail.ca
