Durham College students support PARA Marine Search and Rescue through experiential learning partnership

Durham College (DC) students are applying their skills through a new partnership with PARA Marine Search and Rescue, a local organization dedicated to saving lives on Lake Ontario.

PARA Marine Search and Rescue is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization operating across Durham Region’s waterfront. Working alongside agencies including the Canadian Coast Guard and local police services, the organization provides critical search and rescue services throughout Lake Ontario and surrounding waterways.

Through a series of work-integrated learning projects, students from the Photography, Video Production, and Event Planning programs are contributing their expertise to help strengthen PARA Marine’s community awareness and outreach efforts.

Students are creating photography, video, and written content that highlights the organization’s mission, while others are supporting event planning and public relations initiatives designed to increase community engagement and support.

Faculty members are already seeing the impact of the collaboration. “This partnership demonstrates the value of experiential learning by connecting students with community organizations that are making a difference,” said Brian Stephens, Program Coordinator, Photography. “Through these projects, students gain industry-relevant experience while helping PARA Marine strengthen its outreach and deepen community engagement efforts throughout the region.”

Students have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional environment while building portfolios, expanding industry-relevant skills and gaining experience working with a community organization.

Several initiatives have already been completed ahead of the partnership’s official launch this fall. Students from DC’s Event Planning and Photography programs participated in and documented PARA Marine’s involvement in the Pickering Easter Parade, while others from the Video Production and Photography programs also captured the organization’s annual pool training exercise, which featured PARA Marine Search and Rescue, Toronto Search and Rescue Marine and the Durham Regional Police Marine Unit.

The resulting photos and videos will help support PARA Marine’s communications efforts and strengthen its ability to connect with residents, partners and potential donors across the region.

The collaboration reflects DC’s commitment to providing high-impact experiential learning opportunities while creating positive community impact. By connecting students with organizations addressing real community needs, the college helps learners develop career-ready skills while contributing their talents to meaningful local initiatives.

Future phases of the partnership are already being explored, including the development of a boat-driving simulator that would provide PARA Marine volunteers with a safe and cost-effective training environment to strengthen their vessel handling skills.

Learn more about DC’s Photography, Video Production and Event Planning programs.