www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
May 12, 2009

CONSERVATION OFFICERS PROMOTE NATIONAL SAFE BOATING AWARENESS WEEK

For many Ontarians, this has seemed like the winter that would never end! But for those who enjoy boating and fishing, the Victoria Day long weekend in May signals the long-awaited arrival a whole new season of adventure on our hundreds of thousands of lakes and rivers. The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) is proud to join forces with the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) to promote North American Safe Boating Awareness Week. This year the week is May 16 to 22 - and includes the May long weekend, making it a perfect time to start the boating year off with safety in mind.

As stewards of the environment, Conservation Officers (COs) check thousands of anglers and boaters each summer. In addition to their duties as fishery officers, COs are appointed to enforce the Small Vessel Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, as well as the Liquor Licence Act, and therefore play an active role in ensuring the safety of boaters.

"Every year our officers encounter boaters who, through ignorance or irresponsible behaviour, put themselves and others at risk", says OCOA President Dan VanExan, a field Conservation Officer. "We support the efforts of the CSBC to promote safe boating, and encourage all boaters to follow the basic rules of marine safety."

The OCOA and CSBC offer 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
• Take a boating course
  • Effective September 2009, all operators of recreational vessels in Ontario will be required to possess a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
  • Even experienced boaters will benefit from formal training in boating safety
• 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
    
• Beware of cold water risks
  • Hypothermia is a serious concern, particularly in Ontario in May
  • Even on warm spring days, being thrown into cold water is a life-threatening emergency if help is not nearby.

"By following this important advice - being prepared, wearing a PFD, and not consuming alcohol while boating - anglers and recreational 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