NR-PR-01-069E

July 17, 2001

VANCOUVER – Fisheries and Oceans Canada Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety is asking that boaters take extra care for safety during the fireworks festival Celebration of Lights 2001, in English Bay, Vancouver Harbour, on July 28, August 1, 4, and 8 2001.

Traditionally, more than 1000 boats have navigated into English Bay for each night of the event. In order to ensure safety, Coast Guard requests that boaters observe the rules of the road and carry the proper safety equipment for the size and class of boat. Navigating at night can be challenging, especially where large numbers of boats are present and where city lights create a confusing background. Operators not familiar with operating a boat at night, should consider watching the fireworks display from the beaches instead.

Police and other agencies will be on the water to enforce the laws relating to boating safety and alcohol, but boaters are encouraged to do their part. By observing the simple safety rules boaters can contribute to a safe, incident-free event.

Points to remember:

• Lifejackets. Approximately 90% of all persons who drown in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a flotation device. A personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket is the best insurance you can have. Wear it. All recreational vessels operating in Canada are required to have one Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board. Parents should make sure that children are always equipped with and wearing proper approved life jackets while on board.

• Flares. Flares are used for indicating a distress situation. When flares are shot off unnecessarily, several response units search for the source to ensure that there is no true distress. Misuse ties up these resources, and in close quarters can cause injury.

• Routine maintenance. Before setting out, make sure the vessel shows proper navigation lights and the correct sequence of lights, has enough fuel for the trip and is properly maintained and in good running order. Once anchored, show anchor lights.

• Radios. Have a marine VHF radio available and make sure you know how to use it for distress communications. Know the proper protocols for using the radio and monitor Channel 16 so that you will be able to provide assistance to fellow boaters where possible.

• Rules of navigation. Review the fundamentals of navigation including other vessel lights, basic navigation aids and basic traffic rules so you can recognize hazards and dangerous situations. When in doubt, stop or slow down to assess the situation.Canoes, kayaks, and other non-powered vessels should stay close to the shore to avoid interfering with the navigation of larger vessels.

• Navigation Lights. Make sure the navigation lights are working before setting out. Other vessels depend on your navigation lights to avoid collisions. Canoes, kayaks and other small, non-powered vessels should be fitted with fixed red, green and white navigation lights, if they intend to operate in English Bay/False Creek during the Celebration of Lights.

• Alcohol. Drinking while boating is a criminal offence. Alcohol reduces reaction time and impairs judgement. Mixing boating with alcohol is an unsafe practice at any time, but during the Celebration of Lights, it is especially dangerous. So please, "Don't Cruise with booze."

• Wakes. Slow down in the confined and congested areas around the fireworks barge, and when entering False Creek. Remember, boaters are responsible for damage arising from wake they have caused. There are many boats on the water, and they vary greatly in size and ability to maneuver, so exercise caution.

• During the show. Remain outside the buoyed safety zone around the fireworks barge in False Creek. This perimeter has been established for the safety of boaters before, during and after the fireworks show. Don't pick up or touch any expended fireworks or any residue on the beach or in the water.

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