Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 20

The man looked up and saw the low dark clouds scudding across a leaden sky.  He scanned out over Browning Harbour, and saw the wind driven rain pelting into the grey waves of the bay.  As he took all this in, one thought entered his head like a lightening bolt, what was he doing here?  His brother had challenged him to take part in the Lions sponsored Polar Bear swim on Pender Island on New Years Day and he had agreed without thinking what was involved.  He shivered as he stripped off his warm clothes, but looking over at the marina slip opposite the beach where the swim was to take place, he was comforted by the sight of the distinctive red and yellow Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel standing-by should he or anyone else need help.  The members certainly looked professional in their red and black floatation suits.
While your local Coast Guard Auxiliary’s main “raison d’etre” is attending to boaters and vessels in distress, we also participate in safety related activities at a number of community events in addition to the Polar Bear Swim. 

Those who were out to the Lantern Festival New Years Eve will have seen Auxiliary Members in their suits doing traffic control.  In the summer we stand-by at the Saturna Lamb BBQ in case any of the numerous boaters attending have problems. The Unit also escorts the Bellingham Lions Santa Ship every December.

Readers of the Unit 20 January article will note that Roger Pilkington, who has been the Unit Leader for the past two years, is stepping down. The Unit would like to take this opportunity to thank Roger for the dedication and leadership he has demonstrated during his tenure.  It was during his watch that we acquired our new Titan 249XL response boat and Roger was key in commissioning the new vessel and ensuring that all gear was working properly.