It will take years for Peninsula volunteers who help keep the waters surrounding White Rock and Crescent beaches safe to raise the funds they need to replace their dedicated rescue vessel.

But they’re already going the distance for the cause – literally – and hope the community will get on board to ease the ride.

This weekend, Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 5 coxswain Philip Carter will cycle from Seattle to Portland to pitch in to the $250,000 goal.

Carter and Ron Peterson, a local developer, will pace the more than 300 kilometres with an estimated 10,000 other cyclists tackling the 2009 Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, and have committed to donate any pledges they receive towards the purchase of the Vigilant 2.

The first Vigilant was bought in September 2000, with the help of $140,000 raised in the community.

The vessel has been instrumental in many rescue and training operations over the years. The crew also supports an array of community events, from the Spirit of the Sea Festival to the annual regatta, World Ocean Day and the White Rock Polar Bear Swim. Even the local Sea Scouts benefit.

But Vigilant’s days are now numbered.

“It’s going to have to be replaced in the next three to five years,” said the unit’s Byron Wilson.

“It’s expensive, so we’ve got to get on the fundraising.”

All of the replacement cost will have to be raised in the community, as it is over and above the normal budgetary requirements for continued operation of the vessel. The only funding the unit receives from the Coast Guard is for dispatched calls and some on-water training.

The unit has dedicated funds raised at their golf tournament to the cause. The fifth annual event, held last month at Hazelmere, was hoped to add $19,000 to the tally.

Tax receipts will be issued for ride pledges of $25 or more.

The July 11-12 venture will be a new experience for Carter.

“(Peterson) is a cyclist and I’m not,” he said. “I’m training trying to catch up with him.

“I’ve got to make it fun or that’s going to be a long two days.”

The ride route takes participants through the valleys, forests and farmlands of western Washington and Oregon.

Cheques for pledges can be made payable to SPRMS c/o Dan Savage, 69-15055 20 Ave., Surrey, B.C., V4A-7C5.