Kits Coast Guard vital for transport, water rescues: NSR
Posted May 24, 2012 10:56 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – North Shore Rescue says it needs more help — not less; it is now voicing its concerns about the decision to close the Coast Guard station at Kits beach.
“It’s more than boaters that use this service,” argues Tim Jones with the organization.
Jones says the Coast Guard plays a vital role in transport, beyond water rescues. “It will really throw this off-balance. [I don’t think] putting in a summer boat.. is the answer.
“The Kits base has a long history of support to our team. We feel very strongly that Kits base and the cutter remain where they are,” he adds.
Jones recalls a stormy night in 2007 when both boats were needed to get to four people stranded in Indian Arm.
“The lifeboats, the osprey and the hover-craft… work jointly with each other. If one is out on a call, the other can take its place. Or if one breaks down, which can happen,” he explains.
He says their resources are already strapped. “Our strong suggestion is that it remains open and operational as a full-time, fast response vessel that serves a wide area, not just the Vancouver harbour.”
