B.C. search and rescue crews reminding people of water safety this summer
Posted May 24, 2021 7:57 pm.
Last Updated May 24, 2021 7:58 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With Safe Boating Awareness Week upon us, marine search and rescue crews are reminding people they need to stay safe on the water.
Ralph Mohrmann, Director of Readiness at the Royal Canadian Marine Search And Rescue, says there’s been a slight uptick in calls over the last year as more people have bought boats during the pandemic.
“We’re at the start of the active summer season, so we’re anticipating that number, certainly, certainly going up,” he says.
Drowning is one of the biggest causes of preventable death in the world today. Before heading out on a boat this summer ensure that children-and all persons on board-have an appropriately sized lifejacket. View this video from @csbc_bt_tips on #PFD best fit tips #SBAW2021 #RCMSAR pic.twitter.com/XMNAQnCT7A
— RCMSAR Headquarters (@RCM_SAR) May 24, 2021
Starting in 1995, Safe Boating Awareness Week aims to bring boating safety to over 16 million people across Canada.
In a statement, the Canadian Safe Boating Council says that COVID-19 may impact boat safety this summer, as fewer people may be on the water, meaning there may be less chance of having help close at hand.
Mohrmann stresses that anyone looking to take a boat out on the water should have a plan.
#NationalSafeBoatingAwarenssWeek is from May 22-28. The #VPD would like to remind everyone to be prepared before heading out on the water! Here are some more boat safety tips: https://t.co/hwGaMBcydg @csbc_bt_tips @VPDMarineUnit #BoatingSafety #KnowBeforeYouGo #BePrepared pic.twitter.com/x5q4ZugKUr
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) May 23, 2021
“We want everyone to be prepared individually, and certainly the vessel itself. We encourage folks to always take a boating course, and also be aware of cold water risks,” Mohrmann says.
“Anybody out on the water that is having an issue is encouraged to contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, to ask for assistance through channel 16 on the Marine VHF Radio, or *-7-2-7,” he says.
