From fishing, to kayaking, to boating up the lake, summers in Powell River are the perfect time and place for on-the-water fun, but the Canadian Coast Guard would like to remind boaters that the water can be dangerous for those who are not prepared.
It is essential to have the right equipment on board, said rescue specialist Kristin Pancich. This includes flashlights, navigation devices and fire extinguishers.
Anyone going out on the water must have a sail plan that states where they are going, what time they are leaving and when they will be back, Pancich added. “That way, if there is an emergency and they don’t turn up where they’re supposed to, we can be alerted.”
Sail plans can be left with family members or filed with the Comox Coast Guard Radio.
An additional aspect to keep in mind is the weather. Calm waters can quickly turn to choppy waves on the ocean. Officer in charge Hal Ross said weather woes are one of the most common reasons the Coast Guard in Powell River is called to rescue people.
Life jackets are another crucial aspect of boat safety that are often neglected. An Ipsos Reid survey on water safety conducted on behalf of Red Cross Canada found that fewer than half of participants always use a life jacket. The survey had 1,997 respondents, and results were weighted to reflect the demographic and political makeup of Canada.
“If you fall overboard, if we are called, it’s a lot easier to spot someone wearing a life jacket,” Pancich said. “If you can’t get back on your boat, you have a better chance of being found.”
According to survey results, residents of BC were the most relaxed about life jacket use—59 per cent said adults in their boat wore life jackets most of the time, compared to 81 per cent in Alberta.
The most cited reasons for not buckling up were discomfort and knowing how to swim.
Ross’s advice is to pick a life jacket that is comfortable both physically and mentally. “Life jackets have changed,” he said. “They used to just be bright colours like red and orange. Now they come in camouflage and floral.” While colour regulations have relaxed, all life jackets must be approved by Transport Canada.
Even if boaters already wear one, Coast Guard officials agreed that fit and condition of a life jacket are just as important as usage. The foam used for flotation can be damaged by water and sunlight, and straps can degrade. Life jackets should be tested yearly and replaced if necessary.
Boaters seeking additional information are encouraged to pick up a free copy of Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide at either the Coast Guard office on the corner of Courtenay Street and Willingdon Avenue, Marine Traders or Powell River Outdoors.
