A legacy-driven initiative supporting water safety and rescue organizations in the Niagara Region.
On June 25, 2023, Liam Neumann, aged 34, died tragically in Twelve-Mile Creek. Twelve-Mile Creek was once a part of the old Welland Canal and is now a dammed in-land waterway with limited signage and direct access to dangerous, fast-flowing water.
Determined to prevent future tragedies, Liam's mother, close family and friends created 'Liam's Water Safety Fund' under the umbrella of Niagara Community Foundation. This fund aims to raise awareness and provide financial assistance to local charities and non-profit organizations in rescue and recovery missions on Lake Ontario's south shore and our region's inland waterways.
In recognition of their search and rescue effort for Liam, the fund will initially direct resources towards CARES NIAGARA/CASARA ONTARIO (Zone 11).
Civil Air Rescue Emergency Service (Cares Niagara) became operational in 1977. Cares Niagara was one of the founding members of the National Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) in 1986. Cares Niagara, based at Niagara District Airport (CYSN), can perform both air and ground search operations across Ontario.
About Liam
Liam was a passionate, fearless adventurer who travelled the globe his entire life. As a child, he had multiple trips to Europe and spent a gap year traversing Asia, travelling on a motorcycle, wagon, boat, or tractor. His career took him to four continents, working in project management and external relations, specializing in humanitarian affairs, gender equality, food security, and sustainable socioeconomic development.
More of his adventures can be found on the fund’s website.
The Importance of Water Safety in the Niagara Region
As the Niagara Region continues to grow and our picturesque waterfront and in-land waterways attract more attention, there is an increased need for education about the dangers of the water.
In a recent article published by NiagaraThisWeek.com, Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit (GAMRU), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to marine search-and-rescue on the south shore of Lake Ontario, stated that they had been dispatched on more than 30 rescue missions this year.
The Future of Liam’s Water Safety Fund
Liam’s Water Safety Fund is a Donor Designated fund and will continue to provide financial support to these vital organizations, as they continue their missions in water safety education and programming within the Niagara Region. Click here to donate to Liam's Water Safety Fund.
