BOATING SAFETY DURING THE LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

For immediate release September 1, 2006

Ottawa — Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety is reminding all recreational boaters to take extra care this Labour Day weekend, and ensure they respect the rules of the waterways.

Under the Contraventions Act, police departments and other enforcement agencies can ticket boaters on the spot for boating offences such as not having the required safety equipment on board, including lifejackets of appropriate size. Boaters can also be ticketed for failing to display navigation lights at night, disobeying speed limits, or carelessly operating a vessel.

Boaters must also be aware that impaired operation of a vessel is a criminal offence. Alcohol reduces reaction time and impairs judgment. Mixing boating with alcohol is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. So, remember, "Don’t cruise with booze.”

Transport Canada is also reminding recreational boaters to be aware of other boaters and the environment around them. As part of the Boating Restriction Regulations, a process is in place to restrict specific types of small vessels on a particular body of water. There are currently about 2000 boating restrictions in effect on various bodies of water across the country.

Boaters are encouraged to do their part by observing a few simple safety rules to make this a safe, incident-free long weekend.

For information on boating safety or on how to request a restriction, please call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687. For a complete list of current restrictions, visit the Office of Boating Safety website (www.boatingsafety.gc.ca).

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Media enquiries:
Dan Kingsbury
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055