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 SAFTY
IS VITAL!
Boating
is all about fun - but safety is a must. That's always been the
message we at Power Boating Canada have tried to spread to our readers.
That's also the message behind the recently launched Safe Boating
Week, organized by the Canadian Coast Guard and held in conjunction
with the RCMP exhibition, Rendezvous 2000.
According
to Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, more
than 200 people die each year as a result of boating accidents -
many of which can be prevented. Certainly, I agree with Minister
Dhaliwal that boating safety courses can go a long way towards making
our waterways safer for everyone.
I strongly
believe that safe boating knowledge and practices should be ingrained
in each and every boater, especially young children. Current legislation
is very clear on this point. As of now, all youth born after April
1, 1983, must prove operator competency if they drive a boat equipped
with a motor. And, under regulations introduced last year, use of
personal watercraft is limited to only those 16 years of age or
older.
Youth operator
competency forms the first of three stages in the phase-in of the
regulations. The second stage begins September 15, 2002, when the
operator competency requirement will include all operators of motorized
pleasure craft under four metres of length. By September 15, 2009,
all operators of motorized pleasure craft will need proof of operator
competency or face a possible fine.
With summer
just around the corner, we're all eager to get our boats back on
the water for another season of unbridled family fun, but we should
never forget that nothing can ruin a vacation or weekend getaway
more than a serious boating accident.
On a lighter
side, to help you enjoy your time on the water, we've put together
a top-flight selection of features. Our special section focuses
on pontoon and deck boats - both ideal for entertaining family and
friends. These craft also pull double duty as excellent fishing
platforms or for pulling waterskiers. You can even barbecue on board!
Looking for
somewhere new to visit this summer? If you live on the West Coast
or plan to visit, noted boating writer/scuba diver Peter Vassilopoulos
takes you on a tour of some of the most spectacular destinations
in the Pacific Northwest.
And, as a
special bonus, our Hot Water supplement has the inside scoop on
hot spots to ride for experienced and novice PWC enthusiasts, from
Harrison Lake, BC, to the 1000 Islands.
Until next
issue, safe and happy boating.
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