The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

TOWARF are volunteers ready to go when the phone rings continued from p.6 also be conducted with the Department of National Defence's air unit, which is where the `Air' comes in TOWARF . TOWARF volunteers experience similar situations as other emergency workers and some rescue missions end happily while others do not. "It's unfortunate and it doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen. Sometimes it's difficult for people to get over it and in a lot of cases, they shouldn't get over it quickly," Bee said. TOWARF members have access to trauma counselling from the Town of Oakville and the Coast Guard. The Town pays for the organization's expenses of $32,500 per year, nearly two-thirds of which is spent on fuel. Boat maintenance is also costly, but TOWARF has been able to find savings. Several of its members are mechanics, who take care of the boat. The organization also has a third engine, used as a spare in case one breaks down and its members can make the swap themselves. All members are required to get a pleasure craft operator's card and be trained in first aid. You don't need to be an experienced boater to join. "In a lot of cases that's actually better because then we don't have to break any bad habits," Bee said of recruits who are not boaters themselves. TOWARF recruitment events put hopefuls through the paces in mock rescue missions. "Everything we do here is about teamwork," Bee said. The organization works closely with local boaters and clubs, meeting with their commodores on a regular basis. "We're very happy with the support we get from all the boaters and sailors in the area," said Mike Rankin, crew member. "We appreciate the fact they volunteer their time with us. I think there are very few organizations that can get 75 men and women out for four or five-hour shifts on a weekly basis." Aside from the volunteer shifts, the guys and gals at TOWARF are also on call. When they hear the phone ring at 2 a.m., they usually know where the call is coming from. "Our members put their boots on before they answer the call," Bee said. One such member, Matt Kennedy, has been on many of those calls. He has served TOWARF for 25 years. The former commander, now quartermaster, works mostly in the radio room these days. A former avid sailor, Kennedy was proud to join the organization. "I have an interest in boating. I know what TOWARF does in saving people, so I thought I'd contribute," he said. "It's kind of busy at times. I remember one year, we had almost 90 calls." Last year, due to the low water levels, a majority of the calls were from grounded boats. TOWARF encourages all local boaters to use its website for real-time weather conditions. The website is www.towarf.com. TOWARF is out on the waters from late April to the end of October. 7 | Thursday, August 15, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com 30 YEAR WARRANTY! Audiology and Hearing Aid Centre NOISY WORKPLACE? If you have spent your working life in noisy areas, you may be eligible for full coverage. Even if you are now retired, you may apply for benefits if your hearing was damaged due to long term noise exposure in the workplace. We are authorized vendors for WSIB, DVA, ADP, ODSP and NIHB. We are experienced in the application process with a very high success rate. The first step to better hearing is a hearing test. HEARING SCIENCES If you've forgotten what fair, professional service feels like, call us and prepare to be amazed! SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! Call to book your complimentary hearing test ($60 value, Age 55+) (905) 465-3277 (EARS) BRING THIS AD FOR A COMPLIMENTARY HEARING TEST ($60 VALUE. AGE 55+) GET YOUR ESTIMATE! + SUNROOMS Give us a call! 905.973.8022 www.oakville.ca 877.707.7427 NEW OWNERSHIP: OAKVILLE 2419 Marine Drive TURE LTU N AND CU ION ION TI TIO AT EA CRE S, RECR PARKS, Program registration opens this Saturday! Don't be disappointed....register early. Fall 2013 014 Winter 2 Guide I E SUMMIT REACH TH roc cl bing k clim r rock or oo Indo W Ind NE ! C! PCCC at QEPCC wall at p. 37, 51 O e Oa Experienc tres youth cen p. 41 Our fall 2013 / winter 2014 recreation and culture program line-up for all ages and abilities is available at your fingertips via our interactive digital guide or pick up your own copy of the guide at community centres, seniors centres, libraries, pools, arenas and Town Hall today. Registration start dates Residents: August 17, 2013 at 9 a.m. Seniors Services: September 6, 2013 at 9 a.m. AT YOUTH BE akv lle ll ill ille kvi R? OUT WATE WHAT AB exhibit tory H 2O and His seum e Mu lle kvill at Oakvi p. 132 Residents ­ For more information visit oakville.ca. O LINE R ON ER STE REGIST August 17