THUNDER BAY – The Canadian Coast Guard’s nine seasonally operated search and rescue lifeboat stations on the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay and St. Lawrence River in Ontario are now open. Located at Kingston, Cobourg, Port Weller, Port Dover, Amherstburg, Tobermory, Goderich, Meaford and Thunder Bay, these stations are strategically located to provide fast response and reduce the number and severity of maritime incidents.
Ice conditions are a factor on Lake Superior and Georgian Bay. This affects our vessel availability and response times, and boaters are urged to check the marine weather and ice charts. Waterways remain very cold at this time of year and take much longer to warm up compared to the air. Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide is an excellent source of information in preparation for the recreational boating season. The Safe Boating Guide can be found here.
Emergencies on the water can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll-free (within Canada) at 1-800-267-7270, or via marine VHF radio – channel 16.
