Formed in 1988, the Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit is an Ontario not- for-proit organization dedicated to saving lives and protecting property on the water through timely, disciplined and effective search and rescue (SAR) services. GAMRU South Shore Search And Rescue is a member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Central & Arctic).

GAMRU South Shore Search And Rescue is the only dedicated marine search- and-rescue organization on the south shore of Lake Ontario between Hamilton and Port Weller. South Shore Search And Rescue was added to the GAMRU name in early 2017.

Our organization receives no funding from municipal, provincial or federal governments. Funding for the expense of training, fuel, vessels, maintenance, equipment, etc. is the responsibility of GAMRU South Shore Search And Rescue. The unit provides the basic safety equipment for members, though many members purchase their own.

Our two rescue vessels, based in Grimsby Harbour and Fifty Point Marina, are dispatched to missions by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. JRCC determines when and how vessels conduct their SAR activities. Vessels and members are on stand-by 24 hours a day through the boating season, usually from April to November.

The GAMRU South Shore Search And Rescue vessels work in cooperation with other agencies and emergency services like the Canadian Forces, police, fire and ambulance under the coordination of JRCC. Unit vessels also support the work of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Individuals who join GAMRU South Shore Search And Rescue and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary commit to achieving proficiencies in seamanship, navigation, SAR techniques, radio communications and other skills. Members pay a $100 initial membership fee.

The following annual reports are available for download:

• 2021, 2022, & 2023 Annual Report
• 2020 Annual Report