Toronto Search and Rescue - Marine

Toronto Search and Rescue - Marine (T-SAR) is a Toronto-based, all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to marine safety and search and rescue operations. Incorporated in July 2012, T-SAR was established to replace the defunct Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) Ashbridge's Bay unit. It officially gained charitable status in 2013 and became a member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2014[1][2][3].

Mission and Vision

The mission of Toronto Search and Rescue - Marine is to conduct search and rescue operations during the boating season, promote marine safety education, and provide humanitarian service. Their vision is a waterfront community where everyone can participate in water-based activities confidently and joyfully within a culture of water safety.

T-SAR strives to save lives at risk, reduce the number and severity of search and rescue incidents, and promote environmental protection. Education is a key focus, particularly targeting children and youth through school programs and adults via public education at power and sail clubs and community events. The organization also supports the Toronto Marine Police and the Canadian Coast Guard in daily operations and at major waterfront events such as the Redpath Waterfront Festival[2][3].

Organization and Operations

T-SAR is an all-volunteer unit staffed by extensively trained individuals available 24/7 during the boating season. Their operational efforts include conducting patrols and responding to marine emergencies in the Toronto waterfront area. The unit maintains high professional standards and actively promotes civic engagement through volunteerism.

The organization’s leadership includes a board of directors overseeing various functions such as operations, media relations, fundraising, and training and development[1].

Membership and Affiliations

Toronto Search and Rescue - Marine is a member in good standing with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA), reflecting its integral role in coordinated marine safety and rescue operations in Canada.

Registration and Charity Status

The organization is registered as a charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency under the business registration number 801242686RR0001. As a registered charity, T-SAR complies with federal requirements and offers donors tax receipts for contributions directed towards their life-saving and community education programs[3].

Toronto Search and Rescue - Marine exemplifies a volunteer-driven approach to marine safety, combining emergency response with education and community engagement to enhance waterfront safety in Toronto.