With the weather warming up, boaters are reminded to prepare safety equipment on their crafts before heading out onto the waters.
A care taker at a local boat launch has recently spotted people heading out onto the waters without property boating equipment, including personal floatation devices, according to the Richmond RCMP.
“We are surrounded by waterways, which include the Fraser Rich, which can be extremely difficult and dangerous to navigate if you do not have the proper equipment or expertise,” said Sgt. Ross Lundie, NCO of the Richmond RCMP Boat Patrols, in a statement.
From May through September, the Richmond RCMP will be increasing boat patrols in the surrounding waterways along with checks at popular local boat launches to keep boaters safe.
Boats will be checked for personal floatation devices such as Canadian approved lifejackets to fit everyone on board as well as proof of competency which includes:
- A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- Proof of passing a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999
- A marine certificate of competency, training certificate or equivalent
