Marine Rescue Service
The Balfour Harrop Rescue Society was formed in the autumn of 2014 with the goal of enhancing rapid response water rescue services in the Kootenay Lake West Arm and outlet communities.
Supported by the Fire Department, the Rescue Society focuses on fund-raising for programs to improve public safety through initiatives that can increase response readiness and capacity.
Supported by the Fire Department, the Rescue Society focuses on fund-raising for programs to improve public safety through initiatives that can increase response readiness and capacity.
Contact the Rescue Society at rescue@bhfr.ca
Dear Community,
This message is sent on behalf of the Balfour Harrop Rescue Society (BHRS). We are sad to announce that the 2020 Duck Race at Kokanee Creek Park is cancelled this year due to Covid 19 issues. It is very unfortunate as, aside from some small grants, it is our primary fund raising program for the year. The society is trying to find other ways to raise funds for this year's projects, most specifically getting Marine 581, our rescue boat, in full operation.
The fundraising for the Water Rescue Project has been split into several stages. The first stage was training a team of members of the Balfour Harrop Fire Rescue (BHFR) in boat handling skills and certification as Swift Water Rescue Boat Operators. A used boat was purchased and outfitted and Standard Operating Guidelines were developed and approved. Additionally, members of the BHFR were trained by the Canadian Coast Guard in First Response to Oil Spills using the rescue boat and containment booms to help handle spills on the lake.
This message is sent on behalf of the Balfour Harrop Rescue Society (BHRS). We are sad to announce that the 2020 Duck Race at Kokanee Creek Park is cancelled this year due to Covid 19 issues. It is very unfortunate as, aside from some small grants, it is our primary fund raising program for the year. The society is trying to find other ways to raise funds for this year's projects, most specifically getting Marine 581, our rescue boat, in full operation.
The fundraising for the Water Rescue Project has been split into several stages. The first stage was training a team of members of the Balfour Harrop Fire Rescue (BHFR) in boat handling skills and certification as Swift Water Rescue Boat Operators. A used boat was purchased and outfitted and Standard Operating Guidelines were developed and approved. Additionally, members of the BHFR were trained by the Canadian Coast Guard in First Response to Oil Spills using the rescue boat and containment booms to help handle spills on the lake.
The next stage is to upgrade certain components of the rescue boat and continue training and practice with the water rescue team.The original plan was to have the team on the lake and continuing in their training early this spring. Unfortunately Covid 19 interrupted those plans and has added further pressure with increased precautions for equipment and PPE. We have also determined that the motor and trim set on the boat needs to be upgraded to handle the needs of the water flow in the West Arm as well Kootenay Lake itself. Additional members will need to be trained and fitted with personal gear.
Our estimated budget for Stage 2, which includes operating costs for a couple of years, a new motor / trim kit, specialized gear for the boat, training (including recertification of the current team which is required every three years) and personal gear is between $50,000 and $60,000. The number has some variables as it does somewhat depend on if we can get discounts or at-cost purchases for some of the equipment and gear. Any help there is appreciated!
Stage 3 will be securing a permanent location for moorage of the boat which will include a boathouse. The boathouse will either need to be built or purchased. Stage 2 does not need to be completed to proceed with this stage if anyone can assist us in this part of the project.
Stage 4, the purchase of a newer and more specialized boat and equipment will proceed once the operation has been successfully working for a period of time.
Our estimated budget for Stage 2, which includes operating costs for a couple of years, a new motor / trim kit, specialized gear for the boat, training (including recertification of the current team which is required every three years) and personal gear is between $50,000 and $60,000. The number has some variables as it does somewhat depend on if we can get discounts or at-cost purchases for some of the equipment and gear. Any help there is appreciated!
Stage 3 will be securing a permanent location for moorage of the boat which will include a boathouse. The boathouse will either need to be built or purchased. Stage 2 does not need to be completed to proceed with this stage if anyone can assist us in this part of the project.
Stage 4, the purchase of a newer and more specialized boat and equipment will proceed once the operation has been successfully working for a period of time.
HOW CAN YOU HELP ?
We are good at putting out fires and rescuing people but we need the community’s help to fund-raise and secure donations. Any of the following and anything else the community can think of:
1. Fundraising projects in the time of Covid 19;
2. Personal donations;
3. Corporate donations and partnerships. Do you have a company that would like to help or know of one that could?
4. Legacy donations and memorials;
5. Assistance with grant writing.
Background
Balfour Harrop Rescue Society (Rescue Society)
The Rescue Society was formed in the autumn of 2014 with the goal of enhancing rapid response water rescue services in the Kootenay Lake West Arm and outlet communities. Supported by BHFR, the Rescue Society focuses on fund-raising for programs to improve public safety through initiatives that can increase response readiness and capacity.
Balfour Harrop Fire Rescue (BHFR)
BHFR is one of the busiest departments in the region. It provides protection to both the north and south side of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake as far west as Crescent Beach and into the Kootenay Lake area towards Coffee Creek. It also provides mutual aid to North Shore Fire Rescue, Kaslo Fire Rescue and Riondel Fire Rescue.
The area is quite unique in what needs to be protected. The area supports a large campground, tourist services, hiking/mountain bike trails, small industry, agriculture and a lot of forest. Highways 3A and 31 are in our area, a CP rail track, two ferry systems (Kootenay Lake and Harrop Ferry) as well as a significant swath of water which is active with boaters and various types of recreation. Until we purchased Marine 581 the nearest rescue boats were in Nelson and Kaslo.
BHFR has a significant mandate. Your fire chief manages two halls (Balfour and Harrop) and 31 volunteer members who train and provide a variety of services to the community. The volunteers participate in many of the same training programs as career fire departments are required to complete. The community has 14 trained firefighters at various levels, 13 certified first responders (many of whom are also firefighters), a group in training for those certifications and a group of 7-10 potential new recruits who are just starting the process. This training allows them to provide protection and services such as:
1. Structural fire fighting
2. First response (medical)
3. Over embankment & rope rescue
4. Wildfires (inside our area and interface into the forestry area)
5. Motor vehicle accident rescue
6. Basic hazardous materials response
7. Mountain bike / hiker injuries on local trails
8. Flood / high-water support
9. Marine rescue (the current project)
It is a big job and the society would appreciate any help you can provide in supporting this amazing team. In the coming weeks hope to provide more information on how to donate and possible events. If you are able to help us raise funds for any part of our current project we would love to hear from you. Please contact rescue@bhfr.ca or call 1-250-777-1285.
Thank you,
The Directors of the Balfour Harrop Rescue Society
We are good at putting out fires and rescuing people but we need the community’s help to fund-raise and secure donations. Any of the following and anything else the community can think of:
1. Fundraising projects in the time of Covid 19;
2. Personal donations;
3. Corporate donations and partnerships. Do you have a company that would like to help or know of one that could?
4. Legacy donations and memorials;
5. Assistance with grant writing.
Background
Balfour Harrop Rescue Society (Rescue Society)
The Rescue Society was formed in the autumn of 2014 with the goal of enhancing rapid response water rescue services in the Kootenay Lake West Arm and outlet communities. Supported by BHFR, the Rescue Society focuses on fund-raising for programs to improve public safety through initiatives that can increase response readiness and capacity.
Balfour Harrop Fire Rescue (BHFR)
BHFR is one of the busiest departments in the region. It provides protection to both the north and south side of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake as far west as Crescent Beach and into the Kootenay Lake area towards Coffee Creek. It also provides mutual aid to North Shore Fire Rescue, Kaslo Fire Rescue and Riondel Fire Rescue.
The area is quite unique in what needs to be protected. The area supports a large campground, tourist services, hiking/mountain bike trails, small industry, agriculture and a lot of forest. Highways 3A and 31 are in our area, a CP rail track, two ferry systems (Kootenay Lake and Harrop Ferry) as well as a significant swath of water which is active with boaters and various types of recreation. Until we purchased Marine 581 the nearest rescue boats were in Nelson and Kaslo.
BHFR has a significant mandate. Your fire chief manages two halls (Balfour and Harrop) and 31 volunteer members who train and provide a variety of services to the community. The volunteers participate in many of the same training programs as career fire departments are required to complete. The community has 14 trained firefighters at various levels, 13 certified first responders (many of whom are also firefighters), a group in training for those certifications and a group of 7-10 potential new recruits who are just starting the process. This training allows them to provide protection and services such as:
1. Structural fire fighting
2. First response (medical)
3. Over embankment & rope rescue
4. Wildfires (inside our area and interface into the forestry area)
5. Motor vehicle accident rescue
6. Basic hazardous materials response
7. Mountain bike / hiker injuries on local trails
8. Flood / high-water support
9. Marine rescue (the current project)
It is a big job and the society would appreciate any help you can provide in supporting this amazing team. In the coming weeks hope to provide more information on how to donate and possible events. If you are able to help us raise funds for any part of our current project we would love to hear from you. Please contact rescue@bhfr.ca or call 1-250-777-1285.
Thank you,
The Directors of the Balfour Harrop Rescue Society
|
|