Boating BC, the voice of British Columbia’s boating sector has launched a special campaign aimed at educating new boaters and reminding experienced boaters never to forget to practice boating safety.

British Columbia is home to some of the greatest waterways in the world and during the COVID-19 pandemic the province saw an unprecedented number of new boaters enter the sector.

“As the number of recreational boaters continues to increase, it’s an important time to remind everyone who is getting out on the water to practice safety,” said Boating BC Executive Director Bruce Hayne. “Whether you’re new to boating or are a lifelong enthusiast, cutting corners with your and your families safety is a huge mistake.”

The campaign, developed with support from Transport Canada, coincides with National Safe Boating Week in Canada (May 21 – 27) and focuses on the most common excuses people make for not following safety guidelines.

“When you see statiscs such as the fact that over 80% of drowning victims in Canada could swim but weren’t wearing a flotation device, or the fact that alcohol is a factor in over 40% of boating fatalities it’s a stark reminder that when it comes to boating safety, excuses don’t float,” said Hayne. “Whether you boat on a lake, a river or the ocean, British Columbia is a fantastic place to get out on the water, but it’s important to do it safely so that a great day on the water is just that – a wonderful memory with family or friends.”

To support the campaign a number of local community leaders recorded their own public service announcements including Rick Hansen and the Vancouver Police Marine Enforcement Unit.

To learn more about boating safety visit: www.boatingbc.com

e-KNOW file photo

Boating BC 

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