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:
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.
Toronto boaters and beachgoers alike will notice new changes at Hanlan's Point Beach this summer aimed at making the waterfront safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Everything You Need to Know About Boating Safety This Summer: On May 15, 2025, Toronto Search and Rescue Marine (T-SAR) was featured live on Breakfast Television to help kick off the summer season with a vital message: boating safety saves lives.
At Toronto Search and Rescue – Marine (TSAR), our ability to respond to emergencies on the water depends not just on the skill of our crew, but on the reliability and readiness of our equipment. That's why, over the past winter, we undertook important upgrades to TSAR2 to increase our response capacity and better serve boaters in distress.
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.