Canadian Coast Guard Opens Inshore Rescue Boat Stations for 2025 Boating Season in Ontario

The Canadian Coast Guard reported that its Inshore Rescue Boat stations on the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay, and St. Lawrence River opened for the 2025 boating season on May 14 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time, with operations scheduled to continue until September 3, 2025.

These stations provide maritime search and rescue services for recreational boaters in Ontario waters. According to the Coast Guard, the stations are staffed by post-secondary students who have been hired and trained for these roles. Stations are located at Britt on Gereaux Island (Georgian Bay), Brebeuf Island (Georgian Bay), Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Corunna (St. Clair River), Mitchell’s Bay (Lake St. Clair), and Long Point (Lake Erie).

The Coast Guard stated that marine safety communications are managed onshore by its Marine Communications and Traffic Services centres, while search and rescue cases are coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario.

The Coast Guard noted that waterways remain cold at this time of year and tend to warm more slowly than the air. For water safety information, it referred to Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.

The Coast Guard advised that on-water emergencies can be reported toll-free within Canada at 1-800-267-7270 or via marine VHF radio on channel 16, 24 hours a day, year-round.