Our mission is to provide timely, effective marine search and rescue services, support public safety, and strengthen Toronto's readiness on Lake Ontario.
We are powered by volunteers, guided by standards, and driven by purpose.
Our vision is a waterfront where everyone can engage in activities confidently and joyfully, supported by a culture of water safety.
Who We Are & What We Do: Formed by dedicated mariners, first responders, and civilian volunteers, Toronto Search and Rescue–Marine was created in response to the growing need for well-organized, community-based marine emergency services in the GTA. Our crews undergo rigorous winter and in-season training, operate under a structured chain of command, and use standardized protocols that align with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and industry best practices.
From person in water drills to onboard trauma simulations aboard T-SAR2, our operations are rooted in preparation, professionalism, and public service. We're proud to serve as a key link in the local emergency response network. Learn more
Your Safety on the Water Is Our Mission: Our trained crews respond to distress calls, marine emergencies, and search and rescue missions throughout Toronto's waterfront. Learn more
Educate. Prevent. Protect: We believe prevention is the first step to safety. Explore our safety resources, checklists, and public outreach programs. Get more information about how to stay safe this summer!
Field Notes, Crew Stories & Rescue Recaps: Explore updates from the water and behind-the-scenes insights from training, public events, and real SAR missions. Learn more about:
Boating at night can be a breathtaking experience—calm waters, quiet surroundings, and a sky full of stars. But it also comes with serious risks. Boating after dark is inherently more challenging and dangerous, even for experienced boaters. Depth perception is reduced, hazards are harder to spot, and the margin for error is much smaller.
When you're heading out on the water, it's easy to focus on the basics — the gear that Transport Canada mandates: lifejackets, sound signaling devices, bailers, navigation lights, and so on. These are crucial for legal compliance and basic safety. But just because your checklist satisfies the minimum standard doesn't mean you're truly prepared.
Toronto's waterfront is a spectacular place to explore by boat—and it's just as tempting to capture the view from above with a drone. Whether you're documenting a weekend cruise, filming your sailboat from the air, or scouting ahead along the shoreline, flying a drone while boating can be both useful and inspiring.
This past Friday, June 27th, the 2025 Toronto Waterfront Festival launched in spectacular fashion as Toronto Search and Rescue-Marine (T-SAR) proudly led the Parade of Sail into the harbour.
This morning, Toronto Search and Rescue Marine (T-SAR) proudly mustered an all-female crew aboard T-SAR2 to meet and escort a truly remarkable mission—a historic dragon boat crossing of Lake Ontario. The event marks the first time an all-women's dragon boat team has paddled the open water route from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Toronto.
Step Up. Save Lives. Strengthen Your Skills: Joining T-SAR means joining a dedicated family of volunteers who train hard, serve with purpose, and support each other. New recruits are welcomed into structured onboarding, including winter classroom training, onboard drills, and specialized safety and medical skills programs. From deck crew to rescue leads, our volunteers are trained to operate with professionalism and precision. Apply now
From early spring through late fall — and throughout the off-season — T-SAR remains active, trained, and ready to respond. With a focus on prevention, safety, and rapid response, we are proud to serve Toronto's boating community.