SNSM station in Marigot opposite Fort Louis Marina. (Robert Luckock photo)
MARIGOT--Saturday, June 29, is a national day to celebrate the sea and the coasts, and the French-side sea rescue service SNSM will be soliciting donations from the public.
SNSM with its volunteer lifeboat crews took part in the 10th edition of Fête de la Mer in Grand Case on the first weekend of June, organised by marine trades association Métimer, with its rigid inflatable (RIB) Rescue Star to ensure safety at sea for the various water sport activities.
No particular event is planned by SNSM St. Martin this coming weekend, except setting up a donation box in the hall of the Marina Fort-Louis Harbour Master’s office.
“Remember that the first rescuers are you, the donors. Without your financial support, the volunteers of the SNSM would not have the means to maintain the lifeboats, their premises, as well as all the equipment necessary for their training. Without you, there would be no local sea rescue station. Thank you in advance for helping us to save you, because 80 per cent of the interventions of the SNSM station in St. Martin concern boaters,” stated SNSM in its release.
It should also be noted that taxpayers in St. Martin, whether individuals or legal entities, can take on their income tax declarations a tax deduction of 80 per cent of their donation to the SNSM station in St. Martin. A donation of 100 euros, for example, actually costs them only 20 euros.
