“This month marks the start of summer for many Saskatchewan residents as people launch boats for the first time this season, or head out for their first paddle. We’re reminding everyone to stay safe on Saskatchewan lakes and rivers by following safe boating guidelines,” says RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) Coordinator, Corporal Jamie Diemert.
May 19-24 is Safe Boating Awareness Week, and the Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding boaters and passengers to stay safe with these tips:
- Wear a life jacket. Everyone onboard, at all times.
- Stay sober. Avoid alcohol, cannabis, or other intoxicants. Impaired operation of a boat is punishable under the Criminal Code.
- Stay off your cell phone – don’t be distracted when operating a boat or supervising water activities.
- Have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (POCC) onboard – its required for all motorized boat operators.
- Avoid overloading the weight capacity of your watercraft – limit the number of passengers.
- Be prepared with safety equipment and a first aid kit – whether you own, borrow or rent a boat.
- Know what to do in an emergency.
To avoid accidents, RCMP remind boat operators to:
- Watch your speed and manner of operation around others. Speed is a major contributor to incidents on the water – please slow down.
- Know the ‘rules of the lake’ or general guidelines for passing, docking, anchoring, etc., especially if you’re driving a motorized boat and be mindful of smaller and non-motorized watercraft nearby.
- Be patient at public boat launches, docks and slips. Some people may take longer getting boats on and off the water.
- Have appropriate adult-to-child ratios onboard – you don’t want children to be left unattended in an emergency, or, if you end up in the water.
- Beware of fatigue from sun, wind and waves that can impair motor skills and judgement.
If you experience or witness a boating emergency, call 911 immediately. For non-emergencies, call 310-RCMP.
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