www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
May 14, 2008

Safe Boating

As spring arrives across the province, and our lakes and rivers become free of ice, many Ontarians begin to think of getting out for a trip on the water on their boat, canoe, or kayak. Whether you're planning a day of fishing or a week of backcountry canoeing, the Ontario Conservation Officers association (OCOA) would like to remind you to put safety first. May 17 to 23, 2008 is North American Safe Boating Awareness Week, and the OCOA supports the efforts of the Canadian Safe Boating Council to increase public safety by promoting safe boating practices on Ontario waterways.

As stewards of the environment, Conservation Officers (COs) spend a great deal of time on the water conducting checks of thousands of anglers each summer. COs are also appointed to enforce the Small Vessel Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, and therefore play an active role in ensuring the safety of boaters.

"While our officers don't focus primarily on boating safety enforcement, we do encounter many serious safety violations. Many of these unsafe situations could be prevented by boaters taking the time to properly equip and safely operate their vessels", says OCOA President Dan VanExan, a field Conservation Officer.

The OCOA offers the following tips for safe boating:

• Wear your life jacket
  • Life jackets save lives but they have to be worn to be useful
  • Have enough life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) on board for each passenger - it's the law
  • Make sure your PFDs are in good condition and fit properly
• Don't drink and boat
  • It is illegal and unsafe to consume liquor on a vessel unless your boat is equipped with sleeping, cooking, and washroom facilities AND you are anchored
  • Never operate a vessel after consuming alcohol
• Be prepared
  • Be familiar with the operation of your boat and know its limitations for passengers and gear
  • Check your equipment - ensure that your mandatory safety equipment is on board and in good condition
  • Watch the weather; know when it may not be safe to go on the water, and be aware of changing conditions

"By following this important advice, boaters will be able to safely enjoy their time on the water this summer. Our officers look forward to an accident free summer" concludes VanExan.

Anyone looking for more information about boating safety is encouraged to visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council website at www.csbc.ca . For more information about natural resources regulations and enforcement, please visit the OCOA website at www.ocoa.ca, or contact your local Conservation Officer.

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For more information contact:

Dan VanExan
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(613) 478-6132

www.ocoa.ca