Since 1975, a humble gang of Port Moody boating enthusiasts have been the standard-bearers for on-the-water safety on Burrard Inlet.
But the beginning of 2011 found the Port Moody Power and Sail Squadron in some financially troubled waters that very nearly sunk its not-for-profit operations.
For years, the squadron has been running its at-cost boat safety courses out of a spare classroom at Coquitlam's Gleneagle secondary school but by the beginning of this year, the increased costs of renting space were becoming too much to bear.
"Just recently, we had the classroom fees quadruple and so it makes it impossible for us to offer this course for the normal [materials] fee of $275," said Bruce Leavitt, a Power and Sail Squadron instructor.
That all changed last week, however, when the commander of the squadron, Glen Anchor, told The Tri-City News that he and his 10 volunteer instructors had brokered a new deal with SD43. According to Anchor, the school district gave the squadron a deal on a classroom rental at Port Moody secondary based on the squadron's non-profit status and the life-saving work it does for the community.
There were 32 boating deaths in B.C. over the past 10 years and six last year alone, according to Sheryl Dawson, press liaison for PoMo Power and Sail Squadron. More than 85% of those fatalities happened on personal recreational vessels, according to stats from Transportation Canada.
And while occasional spring-like weather has already begun to attract boaters back to the marinas and waterways of the Tri-Cities, Leavitt wants to remind area boaters stay up on changes in safety requirements and regulations by keeping in touch with their local Canadian Power and Sail Squadron -or, better yet, join.
The all-volunteer Port Moody squadron has approximately 360 members at "various stages of activity," Leavitt said.
Aside from educating the community about maritime safety, the Port Moody squadron also hosts social events for boaters and landlubbers alike, such as a Feb. 12 Valentine's dance at Port Moody's Old Mill Boathouse. For more information on the squadron, its safety courses and events, visit portmoodypss.com.
tcoyne@tricitynews.com
