September 29, 2026

It still feels new to some of its volunteer crew but GAMRU 240, South Shore Search And Rescue’s sturdy rescue vessel, has just completed five years in service on Lake Ontario, racking up 190 rescue missions and rescuing 204 persons, saving 22 lives.

Crews recovered more than $2.9 million in property (vessels) in the period that ended September 21, 2026.

In the course of its time on the water, the boat has hosted 670 training exercises, spending 1,986 hours in volunteer training.

It’s a record that makes the organization’s volunteers rightfully proud.

In service since late August of 2021, GAMRU 240 was purpose-built for search-and-rescue service by Stanley Aluminium Boats of Parry Sound, Ontario, and purchased with funds raised by the volunteers during a three-year campaign. Since launch, it has covered literally thousands of nautical miles in western Lake Ontario and helped train dozens of volunteers.

The boat has also created headlines and memorable moments for both crew and the people they’ve rescued, including a dramatic mission that saved seven lives on a blustery day in 2022. That mission earned the volunteers two national awards.

“The boat has earned the respect — and affection — of our crews and the many people we’ve helped on the water,” confirms unit leader Ed Cook. “The boat has proven itself over and over again.”

But even a new-ish boat needs upgrades. Earlier this year, it gained two new Honda outboard motors and a new suite of sophisticated navigation equipment through a special allocation from the Canadian Coast Guard via the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Central & Arctic). A generous grant from the Niagara Community Foundation helped the group acquire a state-of-the-art crew communication system and support from the Wise Guys Charity Fund will help revamp the shock-mitigating seat system.

Saving lives costs money, so the South Shore Search and Rescue volunteers will begin combing the region this month, collecting donations for the group’s annual online charity auction. Members will invite local businesses to donate gift cards and gift certificates for an auction that runs from Sunday, November 22 to Sunday, November 29, 2026. The auction site, www.gamru.ca/auction , is available with basic information now prior to hosting the auction early in November.

The organization is also seeking the next wave of volunteer rescuers. The annual recruitment campaign, which begins this week, seeks new members for both on-water crews and the shoreside teams that support them. Four information sessions for prospective volunteers will be staged in Winona and St. Catharines. Details and dates are available by email to membership@gamru.ca .

South Shore Search and Rescue is a community-based volunteer emergency service that responds to rescue calls in western Lake Ontario, serving the communities along the south shore from a base in Fifty Point. More than 35 active volunteers maintain a fully-equipped rescue vessel and train year-round to hone the skills and readiness to be effective on the water. GAMRU South Shore Search and Rescue is a member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and a registered charity.