Jenna is a recent graduate of the Adventure Guide Diploma who took the entire white-water progression.
This summer, Jenna worked in the Central region for the Inshore Rescue Boat program with the Canadian Coast Guard. She was stationed at Long Point on Lake Erie. On her crew of three, Jenna responded to marine emergencies such as searches, towing disabled vessels and providing medical attention. She trained daily to master her boat handling, zone familiarization, and first aid knowledge.
Get to know Jenna
How does your job aid in your career aspirations?
Because this is a government program, without a doubt it ensures I am receiving elite training in search and rescue. This opens new avenues and pathways as a student to grow within the government and privet across Canada as we train with other assets like full time fleet stations, OPP marine, firefighters, paramedics, Canadian Coast guard helicopters, United States coast guard and dive teams.
What was your summer job highlight?
I experienced immense growth and made lifelong friends! Some highlights were pacing freighters and coast guard vessels for patient transfers, responding to 25 Search and Rescue calls at all hours, and training with the full-time fleet rescue station in our area.
Taking everything you’ve learned from the Adventure Guide Program, what skills helped you in your role?
- Search and Rescue with Jon Heshka: Information from this course allowed me to be knowledgeable in conducting searches, the incident command system, and the reality of how fast things can change out in the environment.
- SRT Courses: This progression sparked my passion for rescue and gave me skills regarding knot tying and acquiring the mental headspace to be in the rescue world (staying cool clam and collected).
- Sea Kayaking Courses: Participating in this came as a blessing when applying and training with the coast guard. It provided me with the Marine Radio certification required to apply and charting/navigation skills.
