Be safe on the Okanagan-Shuswap waters: Transport Canada

With the Victoria Day long weekend here, boaters and other recreational boat users are reminded to be wary on the water.

Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 18-24) informs the public about essential boating safety practices.

Although it is not legally required to wear a life jacket, it is mandatory for everyone aboard a personal watercraft to have a personal flotation device.

Kyle Weins, a boat safety officer with Transport Canada, emphasized the importance of life jackets.

“They save lives. “If you are near water or on the water, you want to make sure your life jacket is in good condition,” Weins said.

He added that wearing a life jacket near cold water is especially critical because of the risk of cold water shock, in the event of an accidental fall into the water, which can cause uncontrollable breathing difficulties.

Weins offered several other safety tips for boaters.

“Make sure you keep an eye out for other recreational boats on the water, especially paddlers who are harder to see, and commercial vessels,” he advised.

He also stressed the importance of checking the weather forecast before heading out and paying attention to the ocean tides.

Weins also recommended talking to locals about possible water hazards when boating in an unfamiliar area.

He reminded boaters that anyone operating a motorized vessel must be at least 16 years old and hold a recreational boat operator card.

Operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and carries severe penalties, similar to those for drunk driving on land.

For more information, download the Safe Boating Guide from Transport Canada’s website, which also offers resources for obtaining a recreational boater operator card.

READ MORE: Police urge Okanagan drivers to drive safely and stay sober for a long weekend

READ MORE: Caution advised ahead of long weekend in Okanagan