The Brighton Auxiliary Rescue Unit (BARU) is a member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA), operating out of Presqu'ile Marina in Brighton. BARU is taken out on marine search and rescue missions by the Joint Rescue Command Centre (JRCC) Central and Arctic Region and also work closely with 424 Squadron, CFB Trenton, the Municipality of Brighton and other CCGA units.

BARU is 100% volunteer operated with 23 members consisting of both crew and land based support positions, as well as a volunteer Board of Directors. Currently they have 14 active members but only 8 are available regular hours like midday Monday to Friday. They are a registered charity and self funded. Funding comes primarily from people donating their old boats for a tax receipt and then BARU fixes boat and then selling them. Any type of boat or water craft.

BARU currently operate a thirty foot, twin screw boat "Brighton Rescue" and are on call 24/7 during the regular boating season. Normally they dock at the Municipal docks, however, this year they were underwater and they used Habourview Marina as their dock.

They are volunteers saving lives on the water. They promote and support safe boating.

Bill has been in the Brighton area only a few years, with BARU 2.5 years.

A typical crew consists of: Coxswain / Skipper, Training officer, Navigator (below deck position and tough in rough weather), Radio operator, chief engineer who looks after the boat, deck hand / spotter (difficult to see things in the water), and Community Relations Officer.

In 2017 the responded to 4 incidents. Average time about 2 hours on water.

They train in class (about 30 hours) in off season, and on the boat during the season. They train with 424 Squadron and SARTEC.

For marine search and rescue services call the Canadian Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or *16 on your cell phone, or the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, CFB Trenton at 1-800-267-7270.

For additional information about BARU, please call 613-475-4752 or 613-475-8862 or email pbmccann@gmail.com