Guardian Marine Rescue

10/09/2026

Last night’s training gave our crews a chance to work through something a little different.

The evening was split into two scenarios, with members working in smaller teams and a coxswain candidate leading each group.

Each team was presented with a scenario involving people who had reached shore in an area that could not be safely accessed by the primary vessel. Crews had to assess the situation, deploy our small inflatable dinghy, approach the shallow-water area, recover the individuals and return them to the primary vessel for further care.

Using the marina allowed us to simulate the challenges of operating in confined and shallow water while giving our coxswain candidates an opportunity to manage their crews and work through the scenario from start to finish.

We also incorporated cold-water injury and hypothermia care into the training. As temperatures continue to fall, cold-water exposure becomes an increasingly important consideration on the Great Lakes. Our crews need to be prepared not only to reach someone in trouble, but also to recognize and manage the effects of cold exposure once they are safely aboard.

It was a different training night from what we normally do and a great opportunity to bring several skills together in a realistic scenario.

Local volunteers. Professional response. Safer waterways.

10/07/2026

Congratulations to Dan Metcalfe on this well-deserved recognition!

Dan is a founding member of Guardian Marine Rescue and has spent more than three decades serving the community through public safety, including 25 years as a paramedic and his current role as Essex County’s Emergency Measures Coordinator. He has also been a strong advocate for emergency preparedness, water safety and cooperation between emergency services throughout our region.

We’re proud to have Dan as part of the GMR family and grateful for everything he continues to contribute to our organization and the communities we serve.

Congratulations, Dan! Very well deserved. 👏⚓

Dan Metcalfe, the County of Essex’s Emergency Measures Coordinator, has been named the 2026 Volunteer of the Year by the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium.

09/21/2026

09/17/2026

Yesterday, Guardian Marine Rescue was tasked by JRCC Trenton to respond east of Colchester Harbour following a report of an overturned vessel.

The Colchester Guardian responded in challenging Lake Erie conditions, with significant wave action in the area. Our crew searched the reported area but did not locate the vessel and was subsequently stood down by JRCC Trenton.

Incidents like this are a reminder of how quickly conditions on Lake Erie can become hazardous. Strong winds and large waves can move vessels and other objects considerable distances and can make attempts to investigate or recover them dangerous.

If you see an unattended or overturned vessel, or anything on the water that may indicate someone is in distress, report it rather than putting yourself at risk trying to investigate or recover it yourself.

09/09/2026

Our Inshore Rescue Boat stations in Ontario are wrapping up their summer search and rescue services and will begin closing on September 9.

The public can report an incident 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling us at 1-800-267-7270 or by using a marine VHF radio (Channel 16).

Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/news/2026/09/canadian-coast-guards-inshore-rescue-boat-stations-winding-down-operations-in-ontario.html

09/08/2026

Last night, Guardian Marine Rescue was tasked by JRCC Trenton to respond to the vicinity of Point Pelee National Park for a report of a disabled personal watercraft.

While our crew was en route, we were advised that another vessel had begun slowly towing the personal watercraft toward Leamington Marina. After arriving in the area, our crew was unable to make contact with either vessel and conducted a search based on the information available before being released from the tasking.

This incident is a good reminder of the importance of having reliable communications on the water.

If you spend time boating offshore, consider obtaining your Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime (ROC-M) and carrying a marine VHF radio. In Canada, anyone operating a marine VHF is required to hold the appropriate radio operator certificate. A fully charged cellphone protected from the water is also a valuable backup, but cellular coverage and reliability can vary on the water.

Conditions can change quickly, and being able to communicate with responding resources can make it much easier to provide updated locations, confirm when assistance is no longer required, and help ensure everyone involved knows the situation has been safely resolved.

Being able to call for help is important. Being able to stay in contact after you’ve called is just as important.

09/06/2026

Yesterday, Guardian Marine Rescue was tasked by JRCC Trenton to respond to the vicinity of Point Pelee National Park for a report of two people drifting offshore in a small inflatable.

The Colchester Guardian responded from Colchester Marina and made its way toward Point Pelee in approximately 0.5–1 metre seas.

On arrival, our crew located the inflatable already being assisted by staff from Point Pelee National Park and a nearby personal watercraft operator. Park staff had paddled out by canoe and provided the two individuals with PFDs while assistance was on the way.

GMR brought both individuals aboard the Colchester Guardian and transported them safely to shore. Canadian Coast Guard Amherstburg also responded and assisted with returning the Point Pelee staff member and canoe to the park.

The incident is a good reminder that small inflatables can be pushed offshore very quickly when winds are blowing away from shore. Even in relatively sheltered areas, conditions can change quickly and a small inflatable with limited propulsion can become difficult to control.

Before heading out, check the wind and weather conditions, wear a properly fitted PFD, and make sure your vessel and equipment are appropriate for the conditions.

A great outcome thanks to the quick actions and cooperation of everyone involved.

09/02/2026

Thank you, LaSalle Firefighters Association!

Guardian Marine Rescue is proud to recognize the LaSalle Firefighters Association for their support of our Sponsor a Searcher program through a Tier 2 sponsorship.

Support like this helps equip our volunteers with the gear and resources they rely on to respond safely and effectively on the waters of Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair.

As a volunteer, non-profit organization, community partnerships like this make a real difference in helping us remain ready to serve.

Thank you to the LaSalle Firefighters Association for supporting volunteer marine search and rescue.