We have undertaken a feasibility study to determine the viability of a marine training centre to be coupled with our future boathouse facility. Through grants from the Shuswap Watershed Council and the BC Rural Dividend Fund we have contracted the services of Dave Witt to conduct this study. If shown to be feasible, the training centre would be able to sponsor or host a variety of marine training options for the interior of British Columbia.
RCMSAR has garnered a national award for Water Safety Program with the Kids Don’t Float iniative. A number of new kiosks have been added in the last two years across the many stations. Leading the way has been our program here on Shuswap and Mara Lakes. See our page ‘Kids Don’t Float – But PFDs Do!’ to get our complete listing of kioks.
After six years of station leadership, Rob Sutherland has stepped down as in his words “it’s time for some fresh and new ideas.” At the Annual General Meeting of the Station in November, Fred Banham was proclaimed the new Station Leader.
Since our inaguration in 2012, Rob Sutherland has lead the station in becoming well known and respected, not only in the community, but also in the whole organization of RCMSAR (Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue). Thank you Rob!
Fred Banham has stepped forward to assume the role of Station Leader. Fred has an extended background local government, both at a Regional District level and at the District level. Fred also has an much experience in the marine environment, being an avid boater himself. Congratulations Fred!
Rob Sutherland, our Station Leader, received the National Merit-Leadership Award from the Canadian Coast Guard at the Annual SAREx event held in September of 2018 in Metchosen, BC.
The Leadership Medal is for members who have maintained an outstanding level of performance and/or achievement over a period of time to further authorized activities of the Auxiliary.
In particular, Rob’s nomination noted the following areas of Leadership:
Recruitment Training Acquisition of Equipment and Resources Operational Readiness Fund Raising Community Awareness
Congratulations Rob!
Fred at the Helm, November 16, 2018
Fred has been an active and truly dedicated member of our Station since December 2012. He also took “command” of our Pleasure Craft Compliance Check Program when we first started it. He will be missed at our Station. Fred can add RCMSAR to his many achievements during his life. Fred contributed 245.35 volunteer hours of sea-time during missions and training on the water and another 431 hours of training and activities on land. One mission to Copper Island during a severe storm, I’m sure he wished he didn’t pick up the phone to volunteer for that one.
On Friday, November 16th, Fred took his last trip on the Tolonen, having an opportunity to be the helmsman as pictured above. It has been a pleasure to work with Fred and his great attitude and humour will be missed during training and while saving lives on the lake.
See the whole story at Salmon Arm Observer. Click on picture below.
Community steps up after Kids Don’t Float station vandalized
Working together, a number of agencies including RCMSAR 106, CSRD and the Ministry of Transportation supported the Seymour Arm Community Association to get a Kids Don’t Float Kiosk installed the day before their Annual Swim Across the Lake event on July 27th. Thanks to the coordination of Diane Beebe and Dianne Young – great Teamwork!
It took some time, but perseverance by the Swansea Pt. Community Association has resulted in the installation of the 13th Kids Don’t Float Kiosk on Mara and Shuswap Lakes. Thanks to the leadership of Karen Warrington to make this project successful!
Waterways Houseboats have again made a significant contribution of $12,500.00 to Shuswap Lifeboat Society. this donation will be used for general operations and safety equipment for our vessels.
Thank you Waterways Houseboats.
Pictured are Colleen Anderson of Waterways, Fred Banham, Dave Harvey, Rob Sutherland (receiving cheque) and Allen Langworth from RCMSAR 106.
After years of dedicated service, John has chosen to retire for health reasons. For the complete story about John, CLICK HERE .