It is with sadness that as the first day of summer came upon us last week, so did the drowning of a man in Tchesinkut Lake.
This loss of life is certainly a tragedy to the community and should highlight the importance of boating safety. It should also serve as a reminder that drinking alcohol when either boating or swimming does not mix.
Please take precautions this summer when in, on or around the water and make sure that any safety equipment is up to code and fits you properly.
With so many locals planning activities on the water this summer, it is important to know and follow the basics of water safety.
Swimming, boating and fishing are all popular past times in the local area.
Life jackets should be worn by young children and those who either can’t swim or swim well during any water activity.
It is important to remember that a life jacket won’t work in the way it is supposed to if it is not put on correctly so if you are going to go to the trouble of putting on a life jacket you may as well go the extra mile and fasten it correctly.
One day it may just help to save your life.
Everyone, great swimmer or not, who is in a boat should always wear a proper fitting life jacket. They come in various sizes and have weight limits so make sure the one you are using is the right one, especially if the life jacket you are planning to use is not your own.
In Canada, all boats are required by law to have enough life jackets for everyone on board and there is a $200 fine for each missing life jacket.
Health Canada say that life jackets and personal flotation devices also need to be ones that have been approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans Canada or a combination of these organizations so when purchasing one, look out for this.
When venturing out for a day on the water this summer it is important to tell someone where you are going and when you will return and if possible never go out on the water alone.
Learning how to swim is also important ….. you are never too young or to old to learn how to swim.
According to Health Canada, many injuries or deaths in Canada involving boating are the direct result of drinking or from not wearing a personal floatation device or life jacket.
So what are the rules concerning alcohol and boating?
In B.C. you are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place and since boats operate on public waterways, liquor is only allowed to be consumed if the boat is licensed, or being used as a place of residence.
Having open liquor and drinking in boats of any size that are not equipped to be living quarters is illegal.
Operating or assisting to operate a boat while impaired by alcohol, or with a blood alcohol level more than .08 is a criminal offence. The same rules which prohibit driving while impaired apply to boats.
So remember while having fun in, on or around one of the many beautiful lakes in the local area this summer, play it safe.
