About Us

Fripp Island Sea Rescue (FISR), formed in 1983, is a volunteer-based non-profit organization whose mission is to help boaters in distress.

Fripp Island Sea Rescue (FISR) conducts vital search, rescue, and training operations that safeguard boaters and strengthen community safety across the Lowcountry waterways. These missions are closely coordinated through Beaufort County 911 and carried out in partnership with the Fripp Island Fire Department, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the US Coast Guard, Beaufort Water Search & Rescue, and other regional agencies. By working side by side with these organizations, FISR ensures rapid response, effective communication, and seamless collaboration during emergencies. Joint training exercises and operational drills further enhance preparedness, allowing all partners to stay aligned and ready to respond to a wide range of scenarios—from routine assistance to complex, life-supporting rescues in challenging conditions.

Our Team

Harold Waller

CEO/Skipper

Paul Browne

COO/First Mate

Scott Momburg

CFO/Treasurer

Mike McDonnell

Maintenance Officer

Nancy Wingenbach

Secretary

Mary Jacobs

Communications Officer

Chris McSwain

Marketing/Revenue Officer

Eric Roberts

Coast Guard Liaison

Gary Tiller

Rescue Crew

Jimmy Myers

Rescue Crew

Karen Myers

Scheduled Boat Crew

George Barrett

Scheduled Boat Crew

Sara Larson

Scheduled Boat Crew

Our Equipment

Boston Whaler
220 Dauntless (R1)

Boston Whaler
17′ Montauk (R2)

Yamaha
12′ Wave Runner (R3)

Future R1 Replacement Examples