Mounties aim to name new boat

Nanaimo RCMP holding children's contest to name new Zodiac patrol vessel.

Reserve Const. Kirby Anderson looks over Nanaimo RCMP’s latest addition to its marine fleet. Mounties are holding a contest to name the Zodiac Hurricane, which was launched at Brechin Boat Ramp Friday.

Reserve Const. Kirby Anderson looks over Nanaimo RCMP’s latest addition to its marine fleet. Mounties are holding a contest to name the Zodiac Hurricane, which was launched at Brechin Boat Ramp Friday.

Nanaimo Mounties are calling on kids in Grades K-7 to help name the detachment’s new Zodiac Hurricane patrol boat.

The vessel was launched Friday and will be used for marine enforcement and education purposes through the summer months.

All K-7 kids in the Nanaimo School District are asked to submit their suggested names for the craft and a panel of judges will choose the winning name and announce the winner June 29.

The winner will be named honorary captain for a day, receive a prize – to be announced later – and get a ride on the Zodiac.

“We see this an excellent way to engage our youth and  bring  awareness to a proactive strategy initiated by our detachment,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.

School liaison officers will distribute ballot boxes to elementary schools and a ballot box will also be in the main foyer of the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment at 303 Prideaux St.

Names can also be submitted by calling the Nanaimo RCMP Community Policing Section at 250-755-3257 or going to the Nanaimo School Liaison Officer Facebook account available at www.facebook.com/NanaimoRCMPGRCYouthTeam.

Nanaimo News Bulletin