Brentwood SAR Team Honored for Lifesaving Dedication

In a commendable display of dedication, the Brentwood Bay Station 31 of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) has been recognized for its exceptional lifesaving efforts. On a spring evening in April 2023, the volunteer team responded to a distress call involving an empty boat circling in Finlayson Arm. Within a swift 26 minutes, they managed to rescue a woman and her infant from the perilous situation, outpacing the next crew by approximately 15 minutes.

The team’s commitment did not end with that rescue. They returned multiple times to search for the woman’s companion, who remains missing. Volunteer John Harper vividly recalls the moment of the rescue, particularly the image of a teammate comforting the mother and child. “Those moments are the reason Station 31 members commit,” Harper explained.

Recognizing their significant contributions, three volunteers, including Harper, received accolades during the annual RCMSAR awards. Harper was awarded the prestigious Canadian Coast Guard Association Leadership Medal for his outstanding performance and collaboration with other units. He noted the importance of teamwork, stating, “We do a lot of interacting with other units,” highlighting the unified effort that defines their operations.

Another remarkable achievement came when Harper coordinated water traffic for the Martin Mars water bomber landing on the Patricia Bay Highway. Managing 11 vessels from various agencies, including the RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard, he ensured a safe landing for the historic aircraft amidst a backdrop of over 400 boats in the bay. Reflecting on the award, he said, “It was totally unexpected. It feels good because those type of efforts take a fair bit of time.”

At the dock, fellow volunteers Mike Desjarlais and Victoria Kalyniuk received similar recognition, each awarded the RCMSAR CEO Commendation. Desjarlais, a member since 2010, emphasizes the cohesive environment at Station 31. “I really wanted to make sure there were people here I could really lean on,” he shared, reflecting on his return after a brief period with the Sidney station.

Kalyniuk, the youngest member, joined the team just a year ago after completing her marine biology degree at the University of Victoria. She initially planned to spend her summer in her field but found her passion for search and rescue through a chance encounter during training exercises. “Everyone at our station puts in 110 percent all of the time. You have to when people’s lives are at risk,” she remarked, praising her peers for their dedication.

Station leader Geoff Karuse expressed pride in the team’s achievements, noting their success in various programs and the relatively low turnover rate among volunteers. “They’ve really come out as exemplars that we all look towards. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to the station is inspiring,” he stated.

The partnership with the nearby Tsartlip First Nation is another highlight for the Brentwood team. Three Tsartlip Stewards are now part of the crew, enhancing training and collaborative efforts for future rescues. Harper underscored the significance of this relationship, indicating that it positions them well for upcoming challenges.

As the Brentwood SAR team continues to excel in their lifesaving mission, their recognition at the annual awards serves as a reminder of the vital role volunteers play in ensuring community safety. The commitment and camaraderie among the team members reflect a shared goal: to be prepared for emergencies and to support one another in their lifesaving endeavors.