ATHABASCA – Whether you’re going kayaking on Baptiste Lake or jet boating down the Athabasca River, the Athabasca RCMP detachment is urging everyone going out on the water to practice safe boating habits this summer.
If your summer plans involve getting out on the water, the RCMP are offering some important safety advice so a leisurely summer outing doesn’t take a turn for the worse.
Step one to staying safe on the water is to always wear an approved life jacket or personal flotation device when on the water, regardless of swimming ability or boating experience.
Even with temperatures rising outside, early spring waterways can be dangerously cold, and cold water shock can impair even the best swimmer’s ability to stay afloat.
If you’re operating a powered vessel, proof of competency, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, is required. Additional safety courses or hands-on training are available throughout the region as well.
Make your boat is in working shape and is mechanically sound, and have the required safety equipment somewhere accessible. Life jackets, bailers, signaling devices and fire extinguishers are all required. Check the weather forecast, let someone know where you’re going, and make sure you have enough fuel before setting out on the day’s adventure.
Last but not least, responsible boating reduces strain on emergency services, especially during busy weekends. Emergency services and search and rescue teams tend to be busy during the weekends, and as Athabasca Const. Kyle Hotchkiss put it, “A well prepared outing means you’re less likely to need help, and more likely to enjoy a stress-free day.”
