Rescue Squadron
TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JUNE 2019 37
position. If you are going out fishing, leave a float plan with somebody. A
simple piece of paper that you leave behind may be the difference between
getting to you immediately or searching high and low for hours or even days.
Not only does our local MRS search and rescue, they are very much
involved with the Tybee community and assist with many fundraisers
and events. In coordination with The Crab Shack, the Annual Kids Fishing
Tournament is always a fun event to check out and this year will be held
on June 8, 2019. For information on the Kids Fishing Tournament, please
contact The Crab Shack at www.thecrabshack.com.
When the government shut down earlier this year, the MRS decided to
step in and literally saved the day. By requesting gift cards donated to help
those Coast Guard employees that were unable to pay their bills, the MRS
call to clan raised over $35,000 in gift card donations for our local Coast
Guard! Just WOW!!!
With all of this volunteering, the MRS does need to pay their rent too and
their big fundraising event is an annual BBQ Butt Sale. This year it will be
held on Veteran’s Day Weekend. For the small price of $25, you can get your
butt either whole or chipped beginning Friday, November 8th from 8am to
8pm and then Saturday, November 9th from 8am until sold out. This event
is key to our MRS group, so please note the date and time. For information
on the BBQ Butt Sale, please contact Doc O’Connor, Jr. At (912) 713-2747.
Tybee residents and visitors owe a lot to the men and women of the MRS.
They are committed to our community, our waterways and the preservation
of both. Being on call constantly for any situation is not for sissies and not
just anyone can become a member. These people boat into situations that
require immediate know how and calm heads. Those that apply require
a sponsor and a probationary period before acceptance. For additional
information on how to apply or other questions, you can go to the City of
Tybee’s website and click on the Marine Rescue Squadron tab.
So get out on the water, but be smart and stay safe! The MRS has your
back and next time you see a member, shake their hand and thank them for
their service.
Footnote: The story of how Tybee’s MRS group began was taken directly
verbatim from their website.
/www.thecrabshack.com