Government of Canada navigation bar

Symbol of the Government of Canada

Primary site navigation bar

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Media Room
  3. News Releases 2010
  4. Boating Safety during the August Long Weekend

Boating Safety during the August Long Weekend

P003/10
For release - July 30, 2010

VANCOUVER — Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety is reminding recreational boaters to take extra care and caution during the August long weekend.

With summer upon us, thousands of people will be out enjoying the water. While no one wants to think that going out on the water with family and friends can result in an accident, it happens. Every year there are more than 100 boating-related casualties.

Much of Canada’s water is cold year-round, so always wear a life-jacket while boating. Most boating fatalities are caused by a combination of cold water shock and not wearing a life-jacket. The law requires boat operators to carry an approved life-jacket for each person on board that fits properly. Wear it! No longer bulky and ugly, today’s life-jackets are comfortable and slim-fitting.

Anything can happen on the water. That is why, before you leave shore:

  • inspect all of your equipment;
  • make sure you have the proper gear; required for your vessel size;
  • check the weather forecast;
  • leave a trip plan with a responsible person on shore; and
  • bring along your marine charts.

Most pleasure boats must carry:

  • life-jackets;
  • a floating heaving line;
  • flares and/or a flashlight;
  • a manual bilge pump or bailer;                 
  • navigation lights;
  • paddles;
  • an anchor;
  • a fire extinguisher; and
  • a whistle or horn.

Every powerboat operator must have proof of competency with a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, along with personal ID — or face a $250 fine.

Boaters are encouraged to do their part by observing a few simple safety rules to make this a safe, incident-free long weekend.

For information on boating safety, please call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website (www.boatingsafety.gc.ca).

– 30 –

To arrange an interview with a boating safety officer, contact:

Sau Sau Liu
Regional Communications Officer
Transport Canada
Tel: 604-666-3599
E-mail: sausau.liu@tc.gc.ca

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

Date modified:
2010-07-30