PARA Marine Search & Rescue

PARA Marine Search & Rescue PARA Marine Search & Rescue is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the preservatio The proud and respected marine call-sign P.A.R.U.

What We Do

During the regular boating season from May to October, PARA volunteers provide over 1,100 hours of service to the boating community. PARA has assisted over 3,000 people in emergency situations, of which 260 of these were life threatening. PARA volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to respond to any emergency situation. Search and Rescue (SAR) activities include night searches in respon

se to emergency flares, overdue vessels, and calls for assistance from vessels in distress, as well as suspected drowning. Regular boating activities monitored by PARA include summer sailing races and events, sail boarding activities, and all recreational craft activities. These regular patrols are carried out Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings as well as all day Saturdays and Sundays, and all public holidays. Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) units like PARA can often respond to emergency situations and Search and Rescue incidents faster than the regular Coast Guard due to our close proximity to the main areas of boating activity. PARA has many volunteers who live in the surrounding areas of Frenchman’s Bay and the Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club where the rescue boat is moored. PARA is frequenting called upon for Search and Rescue missions due to the enhanced capabilities of our vessel. has remained through generations of vessels with a long history of community service, dedication to duty and a commitment to safety on the waters of Lake Ontario.

06/15/2026
Tune in to CBC Toronto tonight (June 9th) to see us on the 6 o’clock news for a great interview with Rochelle Raveendran...
06/09/2026

Tune in to CBC Toronto tonight (June 9th) to see us on the 6 o’clock news for a great interview with Rochelle Raveendran.

⚓ Open House Alert! 🚤Join us and for an exciting Open House on Saturday, June 13, from 11 AM to 3 PM! Bring the whole f...
06/07/2026

⚓ Open House Alert! 🚤
Join us and for an exciting Open House on Saturday, June 13, from 11 AM to 3 PM! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day by the water.
Come out to:
Tour our rescue boat
Explore the Yacht Club amenities
Chat boating safety with the Marine Unit, , and
Grab a smash burger from
Shop boating and safety gear from
Learn about the FBYC Sailing School programs
Meet sailors from the Royal Canadian Navy Oshawa Detachment
Pick up some awesome PARA Marine SAR swag
✅ Free admission
✅ Free event parking
📍 Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club - 635 Breezy Dr., Pickering

On May 29, 2026, PARA Marine Search & Rescue, together with , The Marine Unit, and the 424 Rescue Squadron, conducted...
06/05/2026

On May 29, 2026, PARA Marine Search & Rescue, together with , The Marine Unit, and the 424 Rescue Squadron, conducted a joint search and rescue exercise off the shore of on Lake Ontario. This training is essential for preparing all agencies to respond effectively to large-scale rescue operations. It helps us identify and fix issues, strengthen inter-agency communication, and sharpen our skills so we are ready when a real emergency happens. Well done to all those involved.


Special thanks to Port Whitby Marine Supplies and Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre for their support. Picture credits to and video credits to and .tran_

and PARA Marine Search & Rescue are teaming up. Durham College students in the Faculty of Media, Art & Design, and Busi...
05/28/2026

and PARA Marine Search & Rescue are teaming up. Durham College students in the Faculty of Media, Art & Design, and Business will be creating videos, still images, and written content to share PARA’s message across the region. Check out the first video - shot at one of our training events.

Last night we were joined by members from the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS York Reserve Division, Oshawa detachment for a ...
05/27/2026

Last night we were joined by members from the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS York Reserve Division, Oshawa detachment for a ride along to show them the waterfronts and harbours we patrol on a regular basis. It was a very insightful night for all. Collaboration comes from all levels. It only makes us stronger.

Last week we joined MADD Durham Region, MADD Canada, Durham Regional Police Service, and COMRA Marine Rescue to kick off...
05/25/2026

Last week we joined MADD Durham Region, MADD Canada, Durham Regional Police Service, and COMRA Marine Rescue to kick off the season’s safe boating awareness campaign. Our cooperation and partnership with these agencies is key to keeping the waters of Durham Region (and beyond) safe.

On May 3rd, 2026, we celebrated our annual Ops Day. This day is dedicated to preparing, refreshing, and regrouping to en...
05/15/2026

On May 3rd, 2026, we celebrated our annual Ops Day. This day is dedicated to preparing, refreshing, and regrouping to ensure we’re ready for the upcoming season. For us, the patrol season officially begins today. During Ops Day, we review new strategies and equipment, introduce new members to our experienced crew, and revisit essential procedures that should always be top of mind. As the crew heads out tonight to patrol Lake Ontario, they’ll be well-prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. Have a safe and enjoyable boating season!

To all the amazing mothers out there, from all of us at PARA Marine Search & Rescue, have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
05/10/2026

To all the amazing mothers out there, from all of us at PARA Marine Search & Rescue, have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

It's a sad time for the international search and rescue (SAR) community as two volunteers from Marine Rescue New South W...
05/07/2026

It's a sad time for the international search and rescue (SAR) community as two volunteers from Marine Rescue New South Wales, Australia recently lost their lives while responding to a SAR. It's a somber reminder of the dangers we all face when we head out to answer a call. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and their fellow crew members at this difficult time.

Fair winds and following seas.

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

Address

Pickering, ON

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