The Canadian Coast Guard is preparing to close several seasonal Inshore Rescue Boat stations, including those in Longueuil, Trois-Rivières, Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac, and Saint-Zotique, as well as the Beaconsfield coast guard location, this Sunday, October 1 at 20:00. The Sorel station will follow suit on Wednesday, November 15 at 8:00.
All of these Inshore Rescue Boat stations have been operational since May 31, coinciding with the start of the peak boating and sailing season in Quebec.
The Inshore Rescue Boat program is a vital initiative that trains and employs post-secondary students to provide additional maritime Search and Rescue services during the bustling summer season. Meanwhile, the Canadian Coast Guard's seasonal Search and Rescue stations in Cap-aux-Meules, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Kegaska, Québec, Rivière-au-Renard, and Tadoussac will continue to be in service until November and December.
In case of emergencies, please remember that the Canadian Coast Guard can be reached 24/7 through the following contact methods:
Phone: 1-800-463-4393 or 418-648-3599
VHF radio channel 16 (156.8 MHz)
Digital Selective Calling (DSC/VHF) channel 70
Radio frequency MF 2182 KHz
Furthermore, the Canadian Coast Guard strongly advises wearing a life jacket at all times while on the water and encourages boaters to consult Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide for valuable information and rules including navigation laws on waterways.
Before embarking on a boating excursion, it's essential to:
Ensure your boat is in good working order
Tell friends or family you will be on the water and where
Have enough fuel and reserves
