John Nunn feels right at home as a volunteer at Station 37 in Sooke.
"I grew up in Portsmouth, England on the edge of a harbour," he explained. "My first job was working as a deckhand on a ferry that crossed the harbour, so being stationed on the Sooke Basin feels a lot like home."
The Sooke resident was recently named as Volunteer of the Year, supporting member, for his efforts with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR).
"There are a lot of people who have put in more time and effort and are equally deserving," he said. "I'm humbled and honoured."
When asked what he does with RCMSAR, Nunn said he's involved in fundraising and helping keep the station running smoothly.
"Making sure everything's filled and ready to go in 15 minutes," added Nunn, a civil engineer who was involved in the design of dams and hydro projects before he retired.
Nunn, 76, and his wife, Julie, decided to volunteer with RCMSAR in 2019 after reading a story about the need for help in the Sooke News Mirror.
"We believe in the importance of giving back to the community," he said. "And we still need more volunteers."
Every year, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue honours the remarkable achievements of individual volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional service within their communities, unwavering dedication to other crews, and invaluable contributions to the organization's mission of saving lives on the water, said Bill Riggs, chief executive officer for RCMSAR.
"Each year, thousands of volunteer hours are directed towards the shared goal of saving lives on the water, protecting the communities we serve and putting the safety of others ahead of personal safety," Riggs noted. “The spirit of volunteerism is an intrinsic part of RCMSAR’s culture. It’s who we are and why we save lives.”
More than 950 RCMSAR volunteers safely executed 499 search and rescue missions, saving the lives of 78 people and assisting a further 373 people in 2023.
"The awards are about much more than just recognizing the remarkable dedication of our team members, they’re about celebrating the safety and well-being of our entire coastal community," Riggs said. "Our volunteers are ordinary people like us: teachers, veterinarians, baristas, sales reps, students, retirees, and more, who dedicate their time to helping others. Every hour our volunteers spend training and on rescue missions translates directly into lives saved and disasters averted."
"When we honour our volunteers, we honour the peace of mind and security they provide to everyone who enjoys our waters," Riggs noted. "By highlighting these awards, we shine a light on the people who make our waterways safer for everyone. Their stories of bravery and commitment inspire us all to contribute to our community, whether through volunteering, supporting our cause, or simply being more aware of water safety."
Other award winners included Volunteer of the Year, crew member Jenny Weston, Station 33 Oak Bay, and Volunteer of the Year, new member John de Bruyn, Station 5 Gulf Islands.
For a look at recipients of Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) Administrative Excellence Medals and other associated awards, visit https://rcmsar.com/compass-blog/.
