For those who like their field trips with a bit of action, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) delivered the goods this week.
The Victoria Coast Guard base welcomed nearly 1,600 students from across Vancouver Island on Thursday and Friday for two jam-packed student days, providing a sneak peek ahead of the fourth annual Canadian Coast Guard Day.
With helicopters grounded, hovercrafts docked, and rescue boats standing by for demos, the event turned the West Coast's front-line marine responders into real-life superheroes for the kids who came through.
“It’s about showing students what we do, how we do it, and maybe even inspiring a few future recruits,” said a Coast Guard crew member during Friday’s session.
Roughly 200 people work out of the Victoria base at 25 Huron St., the largest Coast Guard installation on the West Coast.
And on Saturday, June 7, they’ll throw open the gates to the public for a full-scale open house.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can explore air and water vessels, take in live search-and-rescue demonstrations, and learn more about the Coast Guard’s critical work keeping mariners safe.
If you’re heading to the open house, be sure to wear closed-toed shoes if you want to hop aboard any vessels.
Displays will also focus on oil spill response, marine communications, and science programs linked to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including the protection of Pacific salmon.
“We cover one of the most rugged and vast marine regions in the country,” said one eight-year veteran. “This is really just a chance to show people what goes on during our day-to-day.”
The CCG is responsible for overseeing response operations to pollution spills, hazardous vessels, and maritime emergencies.
While most Islanders know the iconic red-and-white vessels from afar, Saturday offers a rare chance to step aboard and meet the people behind the wheel.
