CPS-ECP Volunteers teach to save lives!

May 27, 2021

I will begin this note by quoting a memorable statement from retired commander Chuck Beall, AP:

–”We are saving lives! “

With this statement, he wanted to summarize in the simplest terms the purpose of the existence of CPS-ECP.

Images of firefighters rescuing people from a burning building, mountaineers bringing back an injured climber, paramedics at the scene of a traffic accident, pool attendants saving a child from drowning, coast guards recovering the occupants of a ship in distress, all came to mind.

The link between all of these rescue workers is that they are called upon in an emergency when the accident or incident has already occurred.

CPS-ECP volunteers do not intervene in these situations. They leave it to the professionals.

Our role is upstream, in the prevention phase. We teach the safe operation of a boat so that no one is ever stranded or in distress. We insist on the actions that will prevent serious injuries on board or that will prevent someone from falling overboard and drowning. We demonstrate the basic repairs and maintenance that must be done on a boat to prevent breakdown. We teach the rules of the road and courtesy that will prevent collisions.

This is how we save lives! This is our first and foremost reason for being.

Now consider a few facts: Boat sales soared during the pandemic, as buyers saw sailing as a way to escape isolation.

But it is frightening to know that all these new sailors are taking to the water without knowledge or preparation, careless and unaware of the precautions and dangers that await them.

It is more important than ever to promote the training we offer. We need to be seen, we need to get out the signs and posters, we need to walk the docks to offer courtesy inspections and take the opportunity to talk about our courses, we need to prepare for the fall training session and announce it on social media and in local newspapers where appropriate.

Let’s go save lives – it’s our job!

Lise Blais Huot, NS

National Educational Officer