By Kelly Burgess, Bruce Peninsula Press
If you see a boat in the waters of Northern Bruce named “Just Relaxing” don’t let the name fool you. Jason Tearle, the owner of the boat could be enjoying some leisurely time, or he could be working as a volunteer with the newly formed Tobermory Auxiliary Coast Guard.
Tearle, who has been coming up to Tobermory with his family since 1976, has assembled a group of volunteers to start up an Auxiliary Coast Guard in Tobermory. “The coast guard up here is busy enough and they cover a large area on both sides of the Bruce Peninsula so this can help out,” explained Tearle.
Tearle and his crew of five other members officially became an Auxiliary Coast Guard in August 2022, after completing Phase 1 and 2 training, and meeting all of the qualifications. This included some search and rescue training and dewatering a boat.
Tearle has over 30 years of experience as a charter boat operator in Tobermory. Having also run commercial dive boats from the time he was 16, he has extensive experience on the water. The other volunteers also bring their life experiences and are familiar with the boating area in the Northern Bruce. Brett Girvin, Jamie Goodhew, Danny McBride, Bill Gowland and Patrick Johnson are all part of the crew of volunteers for the Auxiliary.
Tearle has been generous to allow the use of his personal 32-foot boat for the Auxiliary. He was supplied with pumps for dewatering, first aid, backboards and some other safety equipment from the Canadian Coast Guard for his boat which meets all of the required standards. It is also a great time commitment as he makes himself available when he is at his place in Tobermory. This doesn’t inconvenience Tearle since he loves to be out on the boat and is always wanting to give back to the community. “I went from being a Charter boat captain and working on the weekends to now being available to help people out if needed. I have two young boys and I want to show them how important community involvement is,” he explained.
Tearle believes that there will be a busy boating season this year. “Honestly the price of fuel has come down so people may use their boats more. Last year the big cruisers were tied to the dock due to the price of fuel. I anticipate that it will be busier this year.” That means more breakdowns (old gas in some cases), towing, and a greater demand for Coast Guard Services, so the timing for the Auxiliary couldn’t be better. Hopefully their services will not be in high demand this summer, however it is comforting to know they are there helping to keep the community safe.
