Gibsons Marine Rescue Society

The Gibsons Marine Rescue Society (GMRS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting marine search and rescue operations on the southern portion of British Columbia's Lower Sunshine Coast. Established in 1977, the Society serves as the fundraising and administrative arm for Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Station 14, based in Gibsons, British Columbia. GMRS operates as a registered charitable organization under Business Registration Number 810337311RR0001.

History and Mission

The Society and its operational rescue unit, RCMSAR Station 14, were both established in 1977 to provide volunteer marine emergency rescue services. Rooted in the long-standing tradition of coastal communities assisting seafarers in distress, GMRS aims to save lives on the water through a fully community-based volunteer effort. Its mission encompasses responding to marine emergencies, promoting boating safety, and providing public education to reduce marine incidents.

Operations

RCMSAR Station 14 is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers drawn from the Gibsons and Roberts Creek communities, comprising rescue crew, support crew, and administrative board members (collectively known as the Shore Crew). The station responds to search and rescue calls as tasked by the Canadian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and operates closely with the Canadian Coast Guard under province-wide RCMSAR procedures. The operational area covers nearly 600 square kilometers of coastal waters within Howe Sound and the Salish Sea along BC’s Lower Sunshine Coast.

In addition to marine emergencies, the Society may be activated by Emergency Management BC (EMBC) to provide humanitarian assistance during regional disasters.

Funding and Community Engagement

As a nonprofit charity, the Gibsons Marine Rescue Society raises all necessary funds through community donations, grants, and fundraising activities to maintain operational readiness, equipment upkeep, and public outreach programs. Donations to GMRS are tax-deductible under Canadian law.

Beyond rescue operations, GMRS is actively engaged in public education initiatives including school safety outreach, boat safety checks, and lending personal flotation devices (PFDs) to children, aiming to prevent drowning and boating accidents.

Volunteerism

GMRS encourages community involvement by offering volunteer roles in active rescue operations, support services, maintenance, fundraising, and governance. Training is provided to volunteers regardless of prior marine experience, enabling community members to contribute effectively to saving lives on the water.

The Gibsons Marine Rescue Society exemplifies a committed volunteer-driven effort ensuring critical marine safety and emergency response services in coastal British Columbia. Its integrated approach combines emergency rescue with prevention and education, fostering safer waterways for residents and visitors alike[1][2][4][5].