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Boating Safety: The Right Combination of Knowledge, Equipment and Attitude

May 17, 2001

OTTAWA -- The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the launch of National Safe Boating Week and called upon Canadians to adopt a safe boating mindset this summer.

"An estimated eight million Canadian boaters will take to our lakes, rivers and oceans this summer," said Minister Dhaliwal. "Safe Boating Week serves as a reminder that boating safety requires the right combination of knowledge, proper equipment and responsible attitudes."

National Safe Boating Week runs from May 19^th to the 25^th. Today’s launch precedes the summer’s first long weekend as well as the traditional opening of cottage and boating season. The Canadian Coast Guard along with its partners in boating safety will be present in venues across the country spreading safety messages.

"Our approach to safe boating is one of education," said Minister Dhaliwal. "Now that an operator competency card is required by the Canadian Coast Guard regulations, we encourage boaters of all ages to take a safe boating course. Our goal is to continue to reduce the number of boating fatalities and injuries that occur each year."

To reach this goal, the Canadian Coast Guard changed its boating regulations in 1999. Boaters born after April 1, 1983 must now carry proof of operator competency. Operators of personal watercraft must be at least 16 years of age regardless of supervision. All operators of recreational motor boats under 4 metres including personal watercraft will have to carry proof of operator competency by September 2002. While the regulations are being phased-in gradually over ten years depending on the size of the boat and the age of operator, the Canadian Coast Guard is strongly encouraging all boaters to take an accredited boating safety course and to obtain an operator competency card as soon as possible.

The Canadian Safe Boating Council is working alongside the Canadian Coast Guard by encouraging all recreational boaters to have a safe and enjoyable summer," said John Gullick, Chairperson of the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC). "Taking an accredited safe boating course, obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, wearing a well-fitted Canadian-approved lifejacket and understanding the consequences of drinking and boating are all key components to having fun on the water."

The CSBC, along with many other volunteer organizations, help spread the safe boating message across Canada. During the International Year of Volunteers, the Government of Canada is saluting all volunteer organizations such as the CSBC that commit time and energy to providing an important public service to their fellow Canadians.

For more information on boating safety and for a complete description of the Canadian Coast Guard’s boating regulations, visit the Boating Safety Web Site at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca or call the Boating Safety Infoline toll-free at 1-800-267-6687.