Eckerd College Search and Rescue

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Eckerd College Search and Rescue EC-SAR is a volunteer-based maritime search and rescue organization located in the Tampa Bay area.

The Eckerd College Search and Rescue Team (EC-SAR) is a unique volunteer-based organization, which provides maritime assistance to the boaters of Tampa Bay. EC-SAR works closely with the US Coast Guard, 911 Emergency Medical Response, and other state and local agencies, and receives more than 500 calls each year. The team responds to virtually any sort of distress, disaster, or problem imaginable. Students are trained in technical rescue, boating safety, seamanship, searching, fire fighting, de-watering, navigation, medical response, and piloting rescue vessels. Under the direction of professionally trained staff members, students coordinate the utilization of three rescue boats and an operations/ communications center to save lives and property on a daily basis.

Coxswain trainee Ben responded to his first case under the supervision of an EC-SAR Instructor. They assisted one of Ec...
10/11/2026

Coxswain trainee Ben responded to his first case under the supervision of an EC-SAR Instructor. They assisted one of Eckerd College’s own vessels back to campus. Ben safely maneuvered alongside the Quest sailboat, took the vessel in tow, and returned everyone to campus. This case marked an important milestone in Ben’s coxswain training. Good job!

A snapshot of our August and September moments!
10/07/2026

A snapshot of our August and September moments!

09/29/2026

For more than five decades, Eckerd College students have volunteered their time to help boaters in distress across the Tampa Bay area. Now, a new $364,000 state grant is helping ensure the student-run search and rescue operation can continue that mission with updated boats and infrastructure. More Below 🔗⬇️

09/28/2026

News | Eckerd College

Thank you Florida State House of Representatives Linda Chaney for your support! The students of Eckerd College Search A...
09/26/2026

Thank you Florida State House of Representatives Linda Chaney for your support! The students of Eckerd College Search And Rescue will continue to serve the Tampa Bay boating community with top-notch maritime response to water rescues and boaters in distress.

News | Eckerd College

09/23/2026

Search turns to rescue 🌊🛟

A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg boat crew rescued two missing jet skiers after their jet ski tipped over during a storm and they got swept away approximately 1 mile south of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Florida, Sunday.

The boat crew transferred the individuals to the Courtney Campbell Boat Ramp for further EMS evaluation. No injuries or medical concerns reported.

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater Eckerd College Search and Rescue Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife assisted with search efforts.

Our Coast Guard crews maintain readiness through training, qualifications and physical fitness ensuring they remain Semper Paratus, Always Ready, to respond throughout the Southeast's 1.8 million square mile area of responsibility.

As a part of our continued partnership, EC-SAR and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission MyFWC Florida Fish ...
09/20/2026

As a part of our continued partnership, EC-SAR and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife conducted specialized training focused on marine wildlife response.

Members of FWC’s Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab presented updated information on the animals they assist, their role in wildlife rescue operations, and what our crews can expect when working alongside FWC personnel on the water. The students reviewed net-handling techniques dockside before getting underway aboard FWC vessels to perform active retrievals simulating real-world manatee rescues.

We are grateful to FWC for sharing their knowledge and experience with our team and for helping prepare us for wildlife response efforts!

09/18/2026
09/18/2026

Address

4200 54th Avenue S
Saint Petersburg, FL
33711

Telephone

+17278648256

Website

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