In 2018, Danielle Mackie, a resident of Grimsby, Ontario, joined a local marine search and rescue group with limited boating experience. Fast forward to today, at 30 years old, she is now a flight paramedic serving remote northern Ontario regions. Mackie recently attended an international training for women in search and rescue in Sydney, Australia, where she was one of two Canadians present.
Part of GAMRU South Shore Search And Rescue, Mackie and her team respond to various water emergencies, ranging from rescuing broken-down boats to assisting swimmers caught in challenging conditions. She decided to volunteer for the team during her final year at the University of Toronto, studying geographical information science and anthropology, seeking a physical, exciting, and outdoor activity to help others.
Active in Western Lake Ontario
GAMRU, known as the Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit, is affiliated with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary’s central and arctic division. This non-profit volunteer organization operates across western Lake Ontario, from Toronto to Niagara, providing swift responses to distress calls both on water and from land. The team’s base is at Fifty Point Conservation Area in east Hamilton.
Individuals needing water rescue assistance can reach out to the coast guard via VHF radio on channel 16 or by dialing *16. GAMRU can then be dispatched promptly. Director Doug Mepham mentioned that the team has conducted 35 rescues this season, with expectations of more during the upcoming long weekend.
Despite Mackie’s initial lack of experience, Mepham highlighted her success as proof that with proper training, dedication, and ambition, volunteers can reach high levels of proficiency. The team comprises around 45 members with diverse day jobs, including police officers and university professors.
Mackie’s passion for search and rescue led her to pursue a career as a flight paramedic, working with Air Bravo in Thunder Bay. In her current role, she operates on a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off schedule, transporting individuals in remote Ontario communities to medical facilities.
Mackie credits the problem-solving skills acquired from GAMRU as crucial in her paramedic role, where she often operates solo with limited equipment. She continues to volunteer with GAMRU and recently participated in the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s Women in Search and Rescue training in Australia alongside 14 other women, including Grace Timney from Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.
The training involved various exercises, including charting courses and mock search and rescue scenarios. Mackie expressed her excitement for the hands-on experience, especially navigating the open ocean for the first time.
Mackie advocates for more women in search and rescue, emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusivity in the male-dominated industry. She believes that diverse perspectives and skills benefit the field, and she encourages other women to join the sector.
Mepham noted that many individuals are unaware of GAMRU’s volunteer status until they require assistance during emergencies. Despite the challenging economics, the organization operates on fundraising and volunteer efforts, exemplifying dedication to saving lives.
The team’s quick response and lifesaving efforts, such as rescuing eight
