Guardian Marine Rescue Recruiting Volunteers to Strengthen Emergency Response Capacity in Essex County

Shared on behalf of Guardian Marine Rescue.

Guardian Marine Rescue has launched a recruitment campaign for volunteer Search and Rescue crew members at its Colchester and Belle River units as it prepares for the 2026 boating season.

As a volunteer unit of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Guardian Marine Rescue provides marine search and rescue support across Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River. Its crews respond to emergencies, assist disabled vessels, and help ensure the safety of boaters throughout Essex County’s waterways.

Maintaining fully staffed crews at both Colchester and Belle River is essential to ensuring rapid response when emergencies occur.

“Fast response on the water depends on having trained, reliable volunteers ready to respond,” said Tyler Burniston, Coxswain with Guardian Marine Rescue. “We are seeking local individuals who are dependable and committed. The most important trait is a willingness to learn and be part of a team that serves their community.”

Volunteer crew members receive training in vessel operations, navigation, radio communications, and emergency response procedures. Volunteers gain real-world experience operating rescue vessels, working as part of a coordinated response team, and making decisions in dynamic environments.

Many volunteers develop confidence, leadership abilities, teamwork, and situational awareness skills that are highly valuable both in a search and rescue role and in everyday life.

No prior search and rescue experience is required. Applicants must live locally, be able to respond from either the Colchester or Belle River stations, and possess a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Guardian Marine Rescue operates entirely through trained volunteers who dedicate their time to protecting the community and assisting those in distress on the water.

“Things can change in a matter of seconds on the water. Knowing that we have a trained crew ready to respond quickly reinforces how important our role is in protecting the community,” said Holly Lucier, crew member with Guardian Marine Rescue.

Applications are currently open, with limited positions available.

To learn more or apply, visit:
https://GuardianMarineRescue.ca/volunteer

For those unable to participate as crew, donations can be made at:
https://GuardianMarineRescue.ca

Applications close February 28, 2026.

About Guardian Marine Rescue

Guardian Marine Rescue is a volunteer-based, non-profit marine search and rescue organization serving Essex County, Ontario. Operating as a unit of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, its crews respond to marine emergencies across Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River, supporting public safety through emergency response, training, and education.

Guardian Marine Rescue provides critical marine emergency response capability to Windsor-Essex County waterways, augmenting Canadian Coast Guard resources. This local capability is especially important during the spring and fall when other seasonal search and rescue assets may not be fully operational.