When it comes to the dangers of the ocean, few of us give much thought to what can harm us–apart from well-placed fears of big mouths and sharp teeth! The ocean can be a dangerous place otherwise, however. Just last week a man was killed while spearfishing, but not while actually spearing. He was in a small dinghy with another fisherman and was struck by a passing speedboat, nearly dissecting him and his small craft.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) is the Government-sanctioned body that is mandated with protecting the Bahamas’ national security on the water, primarily in the three areas of restricting the transportation of illegal drugs in and through our country, illegal immigration, and dealing with foreign and domestic poaching of our marine resources. As a country that is so reliant on the ocean it is almost shocking that the Government has not either charged the RBDF with responsibility for search and rescue operations on the water or created such an organisation. But it hasn’t.

Many of our readers will be aware of the Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association–commonly known as BASRA. This organisation, founded in Nassau in the early 1960s, originally came into being because of concerns raised in Parliament about serving the needs of the boating public, particularly visiting yachtsmen which were being attracted to the Bahamas in large numbers, something that was relatively new at that time. The organisation began, and continues to be, entirely volunteer-driven by concerned citizens. Although the Government saw fit to cover operating costs in these early years, this support withered away, despite the growing need for such an agency.

Today, with a very active and self-sufficient branch in Grand Bahama, BASRA nationally handles hundreds of cases each year. It may come as a surprise to learn that BASRA receives no direct funding from the Government of the Bahamas. It does receive logistical and operational support from the RBDF and the United States Coast Guard. BASRA Grand Bahama operates two vessels with six three-man teams that respond to distress calls, carrying out rescue and medical missions throughout the northern Bahamas.

The organisation survives financially through individual and corporate contributions, and through its own fundraising efforts. This Saturday, BASRA’s Annual Bernie Butler Swim Marathon and Beach Day will be held in Freeport at Coral Beach. Not only will it feature the regular festivities but it will also include the much-anticipated official launch of the 2007 BASRA Swimsuit Calendar, featuring all local models. Because of tremendous corporate support that helped to pay for the cost of the calendar, 100 per cent of the profits will go to support BASRA. We encourage all to support the event, and to purchase calendars for you and your friends and family–it’s a worthy cause!
~ejr~