World Drowning Prevention Day 2021 Did you know that 35% of drowning related fatalities in BC are associated to boating? July 25th is the first “World Drowning Prevention Day”. It is about spreading the message of drowning prevention. Please join the World Health Organization in bringing awareness to highlight the devastating impact of drowning on families and communities globally and call attention to the need for life-saving drowning prevention strategies. Over 400 people drown annually in Canada and statistics show that almost 70% of those who did drown never intended to go into the water and were often within 15 metres of safety. Every Canadian has known someone who has drowned or had a near-drowning experience, whether personally or from his or her communities. Remember Drowning is preventable! For more information about BC Drowning Prevention visit: https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/drowning-board-map The BC Drowning Report can be found here: https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/content/images/Pdffile/BC%20Drowning%20Report%202019.pdf Please promote Drowning Prevention to your community!
	SAFE FUELLING TIPS REMINDER There have been several vessel explosions and subsequent vessel fires at fuel docks in British Columbia this boating season, resulting in a fatality and several persons being injured. The staff at False Creek Fuels wish to remind you of some simple tips that can keep you, your passengers and others at the fuel dock safe. Follow the direction of the crew at the fuel dock. They are there to protect you and the environment. 1. Extinguish all open flames prior to arriving at the fuel dock 2. Moor your boat securely to prevent spillage. 3. Shut off all engines. 4. Send all guests ashore. 5. Turn off electrical switches, power supplies and avoid using electrical devices such as portable radios and cell phones 6. Close all windows, portholes, hatches and cabin doors. 7. Portable tanks must come ashore before refueling. 8. Follow the direction of the staff at the fuel dock 9. VISUALLY INSPECT YOUR BILGE FOR ANY FUEL – If fuel is present notify fuel dock crew immediately 10. OPERATE THE BLOWER FOR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR AT LEAST FOUR TO FIVE MINUTES 11. After following these steps, you can now safely start your engine and re-board passengers
	DANGERS OF ILLEGAL BOAT CHARTERS This summer has seen an increase in the number of reported Illegal Boat Charters operating in the Vancouver area involving vessels between 20 and 60 feet in length. When shopping for a charter, ensure you choose a Transport Canada certified operator. If not, the crew and vessel may not be up to safety standards. If your charter captain asks all passengers to state “everyone are friends of the captain and are not paying passengers”, if boarded by police or Transport Canada inspectors, you probably should find another charter immediately. Marina Operators, who knowingly allow an Illegal charter to operate, could be named in civil lawsuits and risk affecting their own insurance coverage. If you suspect an illegal charter, contact Transport Canada Marine Safety: Pacific Region 604-666-5300 Prairie and Northern Region 1-888-463-0521 Ontario Region 519-383-1825 Quebec Region 1-888-649-6292 Atlantic Region 1-800-387-4999
	NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK JULY 19-25, 2020 This week is about spreading the message of drowning prevention in Canada. Please join the Lifesaving Society Canada in bringing awareness to the drowning problem during National Drowning Prevent Week from 19-25 July 2020. Over 400 people drown annually in Canada and statistics show that almost 70% of those who did drown never intended to go into the water and were often within 15 metres of safety. Every Canadian has known someone who has drowned or had a near-drowning experience, whether personally or from his or her communities. Remember Drowning is preventable! For more information about BC Drowning Prevention visit the Lifesaving Society BC and Yukon Branch website. or read the BC Drowning Report.
	DANGERS OF BOW RIDING You wouldn’t let anyone ride on the outside of your moving vehicle … FACT: Studies have determined that “Perception Response Time”, coupled with your physical response and the mechanical response of your vessel, to a hazard, will take a minimum of 4 seconds. At 10 mph, a vessel travels 14.5 feet/second. If a passenger was to fall off the bow at this speed, your vessel would travel 58 feet during the 4 second response time. In this scenario, your vessel would likely pass completely overtop of your passenger, exposing them to hull and propeller strikes. (NASBLA - National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) FACT: If you allow a passenger to ride on the decks or non designated seating areas of your vessel while underway, you could be fined under the Canada Shipping Act for “Failing To Ensure The Safety of All Passengers On Board”. If one of your passengers is injured or killed, you could face criminal charges. Make sure your passengers Ride Safe while underway!
	SAFE FUELLING TIPS provided by FALSE CREEK FUELS 1. Moor your boat securely to prevent spillage. 2. Shut off all engines. 3. Send all guests ashore. 4. Extinguish all open flames. 5. Do not smoke while refueling. 6. Turn off electrical switches, power supplies and avoid using electrical devices such as portable radios. 7. Close all windows, portholes, hatches and cabin doors. 8. Portable tanks must come ashore before refueling. 9. Verify that you have the correct fuel nozzle and you are filling the correct deck fill prior to dispensing fuel. 10. Ensure the fuel nozzle fits into the deck fitting – if it is too big, ask to be moved to a lower-speed dispenser. 11. Know your fuel system – some marine fuel dispensers are fast and may exceed your boat’s capacity – if unsure, use the slower-speed dispenser (if available). 12. Ground the nozzle against the filler pipe. 13. Know the capacity of the fuel tank. Do not overfill it. You have a duty to prevent spillage of fuel into the hull or water 14. Wipe up spillage and properly dispose of the cloth or towel used. 15. Operate the engine compartment blower for at least four minutes immediately before starting the gasoline engine. 16. Check for vapours from the engine compartment before starting up the engine.
	WEATHER WARNING - ICE BUILD-UP A reminder for boat owners and operators to continually monitor their vessels during winter weather. Snow and ice build up can negatively affect the stability of your vessel. Bilge water can freeze, rendering bilge pumps inoperable. Rain and melting snow can quickly overwhelm even a functioning bilge pump. Boat owners that store their vessels on land should also tend to their vessels regularly during winter weather to ensure vessel covers are not compromised by the weight of snow build up. Monitor weather reports on VHF or on line. ENVIRONMENT CANADA MARINE WEATHER
	WEATHER WARNING Winter storms have arrived on the west coast. Boat owners that choose to keep their vessels at anchor are responsible for monitoring marine weather reports to ensure the safety of their vessel. Owners who fail to move their vessels to “safe harbour” or monitor their vessel during impending storms, may be held responsible for clean up and removal of any environmental hazards caused by their vessel being wrecked or damaged. Environment Canada Marine Weather
	PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY Stolen Boats Canada recommends marking your property with your driver’s license number in permanent ink. Prefix it with your Province, BCDL #1234567, ABDL#1234567 etc. Unlike your Social Insurance Number, police can access your driver’s license information and contact you to check on the status of “found” engines or other property. In conjunction with marking your property, use locks and cables to further deter thieves from stealing your property. Remember to record serial numbers and take photos of your property. If you are storing your vessel for the winter, remove and store any electronics and other equipment that thieves can steal from your vessel. Consider installing a GPS tracker on your vessel and on your outboard engine. Check on your vessel regularly though the winter to ensure it is structurally sound and has not been stolen or broken into.
	VESSEL THEFT PREVENTION It is that time of year again when many trailerable vessels are moved to relative’s yards, farm land and other types of properties, to be stored over the winter. In many cases, a boat owner will not check on it again until spring time only to determine that at some point during the past few weeks or months, their vessel had been stolen. If you store your vessel where thieves may have access, take steps to prevent it from being stolen. Secure your trailer and vessel using commercially available locking devices, ensure your insurance is up to date and that you are in” Compliance” with the storage requirements of your policy and install a GPS Tracking System. A GPS Tracker can alert you immediately to a theft and allow police to take action before the trail goes cold and your vessel gets repainted and re-numbered.
	INVASIVE SPECIES VEHICLE INSPECTIONS If you are transporting a watercraft in B.C. it is mandatory to stop and report to all invasive mussel watercraft inspection stations along your travel route. Watercraft includes sailboats, motorboats, car toppers, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards being transported in B.C. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has a team of specialized inspectors checking and if necessary decontaminating watercraft being transported into B.C. Inspectors are trained in watercraft inspection and decontamination following the standard protocol that is used across the Pacific Northwest. All watercraft owners coming through watercraft inspection stations are asked a series of questions by the inspectors to determine if the watercraft is high or low risk. Two key questions asked by inspectors to determine watercraft risk are: Where was the watercraft in the last 30 days? How long has the watercraft been out of the water? Fines for Failing to Stop Under Provincial legislation, all watercraft entering B.C. and passing by an open inspection station must report in. Failure to stop at an open inspection station could result in a $345 fine. In 2018, 82 tickets and 50 warnings were issued by Conservation Officers to motorists for failing to stop at inspection stations. Watercraft operators who fail to stop at an inspection station are being reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline and full time Conservation Officers are responding and following up. The program will be stepping up enforcement at the inspection stations during the 2019 season.
	CELEBRATION OF LIGHT 2019 The 2019 Celebration of Light will be taking place in English Bay on July 27th, July 31st and August 3rd. Please ensure you take all steps necessary to keep everyone safe on the water. Check tides, weather and hazards for the area and have all required safety gear. Be mindful of commercial traffic and do not pass between a tug and its tow. Emergency services can be reached on VHF 16 or by calling 911.
	NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK - JULY 21-27 2019 Drowning is Preventable- Approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many. Watch me, not your phone- Always directly supervise children around the water - if you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far. Be Boat Smart - Wear a Lifejacket- Choose It. Use It. Always wear a lifejacket or PFD when in a boat. Learn to Swim to Survive- In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water? Swim with a buddy- Make smart choices before going into or out on the water. Know your limits- Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impairs judgment, reflexes and balance. Stay sober when in, on or around the water. Be Water Smart all year round- You can save a life, yours and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today. Life Saving Society
	Theft of Prawn and Crab Traps The Vancouver Police Marine Unit has been advised of an increase in the occurrences of theft of crab and prawn traps and of persons pulling traps, taking the catch and throwing the trap back into the water. The act of taking a trap or taking catch from a trap that is not yours constitutes Theft under $5000 in the Criminal Code of Canada. Ensure you mark your trap float with your name or phone number, which is not only a regulation of the Fisheries Act, but will assist in proving elements required to prosecute trap and catch thieves. If you observe someone stealing your trap or your catch or suspect someone of stealing traps or catch, record the suspect vessel information and obtain photos if safe to do so. Also note the time and location of the occurrence and report the incident to the police of local jurisdiction. Case Law R. v. Kearley, 2006 CanLII 1758 (NL PC)
	Boating Safety - Situational Awareness The Vancouver Police Marine Unit recently investigated an incident where a PWC jumped the wake of one vessel and crashed into the side of another vessel that the PWC operator appears to have not observed operating in the area. The quick response of the people on board the “struck” vessel and the crew from the Kitsilano Coast Guard base, ensured there was no loss of life. When operating a vessel, it is crucial to take into account the distance you travel per second and the additional distance traveled during the half second reaction sequence. When navigating around other vessels or land formations that obstruct your view, create space and travel at a safe speed that will allow you to manoeuvre or stop your vessel safely to avoid a collision. Keep a constant watch, travel at a safe speed and exercise good Situational Awareness at all times.
	Drowning doesn't Look Like Drowning: Matt Vittone …When someone is drowning there is very little splashing, and no waving or yelling or calling for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents). Of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In 10 percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening… Mario Vittone - Former Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Read the full article
	It is imperative for boaters to continuously monitor the Marine Weather Forecast for the area in which they are operating. Visit the Government of Canada Weather site to familiarize yourself with the Marine VHF weather channel for your area of operation. If you don’t have access to a VHF radio, boaters should check the local weather reports on their phone. There are several “LIVE” web cam feeds that are available online that can give boaters a glimpse of the current conditions in areas around the region. The web sites are a good tool when seeing the areas boaters may want to visit, but should not replace monitoring the weather information channels. (note: Bulletin includes links to the live cams).
	On the evening of July 1st 2017, a 19 foot pleasure craft suffered an engine compartment fire. The operator of the vessel was able to extinguish the fire and no one on board was injured. It appears a cooling system hose had become blocked over the years with crystallized salt. This appears to have caused the engine to overheat and increase the temperature in the engine compartment to cause the emergency release valve on an empty propane bottle to expel the residual propane. The owner had installed a new battery and repaired some electrical components the day before that appears to have caused a spark, igniting the escaping propane to form a “blow torch” which subsequently ignited materials lining the engine compartment. This is a reminder to all boaters to check the integrity of all intake and cooling system hoses as part of your “pre trip”. If making repairs to your engine and wiring system, ensure all parts are ABYC approved. Finally, do not store flammable containers, full or empty, in your engine compartment or near any heat source.
	The Vancouver Police Marine Unit is investigating a series of thefts from marinas in the False Creek area. Since July, there have been four (4) auxiliary engines reported stolen. Numerous fuel containers, safety gear and other property have also been stolen. It is believed other thefts have occurred and police are encouraging boat owners to check on their property and report any thefts or attempted thefts to the Vancouver Police at 604-717-3321. Stolen Boats Canada recommends marking your property with your driver’s license number in permanent ink. Prefix it with your Province, BCDL #1234567, ABDL#1234567 etc. Unlike your Social Insurance Number, police can access your driver’s license information and contact you to check on the status of “found” engines or other property. In conjunction with marking your property, use locks and cables to further deter thieves from stealing your property. Remember to record serial numbers and take photos of your property.
	On Wednesday, November 14th, the Vancouver Police Marine Unit and crews from the Canadian Coast Guard, Kitsilano Base, responded to a report of an unoccupied vessel running in circles in Coal Harbour. The VPD Marine Unit was able to determine that the occupant of a small “coach boat” had fallen overboard and had been recovered by another coach boat in the area. It was also determined that the operator was not wearing a “KILL SWITCH”. Fortunately there were no injuries in this incident. Several people are killed or seriously injured every year as a result of being thrown out of their vessel and subsequently run over as their vessel circles around them in what is referred to as “The Circle of Death”. Wearing a kill switch connected to your vessels ignition can prevent the “Circle of Death”. Click here to watch news footage of Circle of Death on Claremore Lake, Oklahoma Click here to watch news interview of survivor of Circle of Death incident on Pokegama Lake, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
	Many people fail to take advantage of licensing their Pleasure Craft in Canada. The Small Vessel Regulations require Pleasure Craft with engine power of 10 hp. (7.5 kW) or greater, to obtain a Vessel License. However, any Pleasure Craft operator in Canada may obtain a free Pleasure Craft License for their vessel. The benefits to the boat operator is having their vessel and contact details accessible to Search and Rescue personnel. The ability to contact the holder of the vessel license for a vessel located adrift or wrecked, can mean the difference between an efficient and successful search and rescue operation and a prolonged operation attempting to determine if life is at risk. Keep your Vessel License details up to date to ensure Search and Rescue personnel can contact you quickly in the event of an incident. Pleasure Craft License On-Line Application.
	If you are on the water and see fire fighting aircraft skimming the waterway, stay clear and avoid endangering the aircraft crew and those on your vessel. In BC, if you spot a wild fire or irresponsible behavior call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone. In Alberta, call 310-FIRE (3473). Please check your provincial government website for the emergency number for your province. Remember; flying a UAV or drone anywhere near a wild fire or near working aircraft endangers fire fighters on the land and in the air. It is also against the Aeronautics Act and could result in criminal charges. Visit: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/drone-safety.html
	This New Year’s Eve, boaters will gather off Canada Place in Vancouver Harbour to take in the fireworks display and usher in 2018. Cold weather is predicted for New Year’s Eve in the Vancouver area and it is anticipated that many boaters taking in the fireworks, will be inside their vessel cabins. The potential for Carbon Monoxide poisoning is heightened in enclosed spaces and by the use of fuel burning heaters. It is recommended that all vessels be fitted with a CO detector. Boaters should become familiar with where CO can accumulate, the symptoms and what to do if you suspect CO poisoning is taking place. Do not hesitate to call for help immediately if you suspect CO poisoning occurring –In Canada: 911 for Emergency Services or Ch. 16 VHF/ *16 cell Phones for Canadian Coast Guard. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. They are often confused with seasickness or intoxication, so those affected may not receive the medical attention they need.
	Stand Up Paddle Boarding has become one of the most popular water sports going. With the right gear, people are on the water all year round. Along with good cold weather/water protection, there is specific safety gear required by Transport Canada while you are using your SUP to navigate. (Transiting from Point A to Point B): - An approved PFD for all on the board - A Sound Signaling Device - A 15 M Buoyant Heaving Line - A Water Tight Flashlight (if operating in limited visibility or in the dark). It is always a good idea not to paddle alone. Be aware of tides and vessel traffic hazards in the area and anticipated weather changes. Wear your board leash, let others know when and where you are headed out on the water, when you anticipate returning and check in on your return.
	On July 1st 2017, several people on a vessel in Vancouver Harbour were overcome by Carbon monoxide (CO) and had to be rushed to waiting ambulances by the North Vancouver RCMP and other SAR vessels. In preparation for the upcoming Celebration of Lights festival nights in English Bay, boaters are being reminded of the danger CO presents. It is recommended that all vessels be fitted with a CO detector. Boaters should become familiar with what CO is, where it can accumulate, the symptoms and what to do if you suspect CO poisoning is taking place.
	With the arrival of the good weather, there has been an increase in the number of near collisions in the traffic lanes on the approaches to the First Narrows in Vancouver. In several cases, transiting cargo ships and tug and barges have been forced to take evasive actions to avoid collisions caused by pleasure craft contravening the Canada Shipping Act rules pertaining to Operating in a Traffic Separation Scheme and Operating in a Narrow Channel. In the most recent incident, a pleasure craft passed between a tug and its log boom, fortunately missing the steel cable sub surface between the tug and its boom. With the upcoming Canada Day fireworks in Vancouver Harbour and the annual Celebration of Lights in English Bay, the risk of dangerous encounters between commercial vessels and pleasure craft will be increased. When operating around commercial vessels, stay clear and check to see if there is a boom or barge behind every tug before cautiously crossing well astern. Keep to the Right side of the channel, Keep a Lookout, travel at a Safe Speed and have your VHF scanning Channels 12 and 16 when transiting through English Bay and Vancouver Harbour. Transport Safety Board report: Collision Between the Pleasure Craft Sunboy and the Tug Jose Narvaez Towing the Barge Texada B.C. Vancouver Harbour, British Columbia 7 August 1999 Canada Shipping Act Collision Regulations Port Metro Vancouver Safety Guide Navigation Light study chart This is a guide- There are several course providers to educate boaters in Boating Safety.
	BC Cetacean Sighting Network Those of us that have the opportunity to work and play on the water and those that love to explore the shorelines of BC’s coast, can play a huge roll in assisting the BC Cetacean Sightings Network, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Vancouver Aquarium, gather data to assist in understanding and identifying habitats and Species At Risk. Download the App , call or go online and start reporting sightings.
	Boating Safety - Rules of the Road Many boaters are preparing to head out on the water again to enjoy another great boating season on the west coast. Just as important as inspecting all of your safety gear and your vessel’s seaworthiness, is remembering to review the safe vessel operating procedures as outlined in the Canada Shipping Act - Collision Regulations, and to familiarize yourself with the hazards that exist in the areas where you anticipate navigating. If you plan on operating your vessel anywhere around a commercial vessel, please be cautious of your wake and do not operate in an erratic manner. Two great reference guides are the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide and the Port of Vancouver Safe Boating Guide for Burrard Inlet.
	Safe Boating The good weather is just around the corner and many of us will be heading out on the water to take part in our favourite water activities. If sport fishing is one of your pass times, make sure you are exercising good judgment when it comes to weather, stowage of gear and your capabilities. You must also be aware of the Transport Canada Safety regulations, Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulations for conservation interests and the Canada Marine Act while fishing and operating a vessel within the Port of Vancouver. Please play within the rules and do it safely.
	2016 Celebration of Lights The 2016 Celebration of Light will be taking place in English Bay on July 23rd, 27th and 30th. Please ensure you take all steps necessary to keep everyone safe on the water. Check tides, weather and hazards for the area and have all required safety gear. Be mindful of commercial traffic and do not pass between a tug and its tow. Coast Guard, RCMSAR, Jericho Rescue and Police can be reached on VHF 16 or by calling 911.
	Launching and Recovering When launching and recovering your vessel, check the tides, have knowledge of your vehicles capabilities, the characters of the ramp and what type of surface is under the water. If your vehicle gets stuck, do not put yourself or others in danger of getting trapped under your vehicle in an attempt to free it. Contact a professional tow company in “ample time” to avoid damage to your vehicle, potential injury and environmental damages.
	Many communities struggle with the task of dealing with abandoned and wrecked vessels that may cause environmental and safety hazards to their waterways and foreshores. In many cases the vessel owners fail to take responsibility for their vessels. Organizations and responsible boat owners have some options for resolving this issue. It is recommended early action is taken to avoid cost and damage to the environment. Stolen Boats Canada is available to post, free of charge, any abandoned or wrecked vessels where your municipality or agency is attempting to identify an owner. For additional resolutions to this issue, please check out www.recyclemyboat.com .
	Boating Safety When thinking about what speed you are traveling in your vessel, think in “FEET PER SECOND”. Build into this calculation the “Perception Response Sequence”(PRS) which is the time to (1) Detect a Hazard, (2) Identify the Hazard, (3) Decision on Action and (4) Reaction. Studies have shown that this sequence takes 0.5 to 0.6 seconds under clinical conditions and doesn’t include the amount of time for the vessel to respond to the operator’s actions.
	Boating Safety Several First Responder Agencies have been decreased in service and response capabilities due to budgetary targets. Now more than ever, First Responders are requesting that you ensure your vessel, safety gear and skill level are prepared. Please take a moment before setting out. Check with local boating safety authorities for safety tips and information.
	Deadly Waters According to the BC Coroners Service more people drown every year in the Interior and specifically in Okanagan Lake than any other area of the province. Just make sure that you know your waterways, you don't drink and boat, you have your proper equipment and be mindful that weather plays a big factor.
	Just a reminder to boat owners, you are responsible for your vessel and any environmental damage that it may cause, even if it is a result of improper anchoring or neglect. Clean up and removal can become extremely expensive and you as the vessel owner may find yourself being held responsible for all costs. As a vessel owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your vessel is securely anchored and safely operated at all times. Do you know where your vessel is? Do you know what your insurance policy covers?
	Operation Securus
	The waters of Canada, both tidal and fresh, have many hidden hazards. One of the most hazardous is a “Deadhead” or “Widow Maker”. Deadheads present an extreme hazard to vessels and in tidal areas, deadheads can cause significant damage to marinas and the vessels moored within. Please remember to keep a constant watch and travel at a safe speed. If you spot a deadhead, please contact the Canadian Coast Guard (Pacific Region VHF 83a) or contact them by phone and provide the deadheads position, size, how much of it is showing above the surface and if you were able to safely hammer a marker into it to warn other boaters. The CCG will give a Securite’ broadcast to warn mariners of the existence of the danger. If you happen to spot a deadhead in the area of a marina, fuel dock, or other floating structure, please make an attempt to notify the facility’s operator in an attempt to mitigate damage to property.
	According to the Canadian Red Cross – “On average 166 boating related deaths occur in Canada each year. Alcohol is present or suspected in over 50% of fatalities. More than 24% of fatalities occur where life jackets were on board but not worn. Wearing a life jacket could eliminate up to 90% of boating related drownings.” You are responsible for the safety of your passengers. Ensure you have all required safety gear and that it is in an accessible place. Be familiar with your safety gear, know how to use it and instruct your passengers on how to use it. Be prepared for an emergency and have a plan.
	Safe Fueling Procedures
	It is finally Spring and many people are returning to the water to take part in sport fishing and other recreational activities. It is extremely important to remember the hazards that exist during these activities. The crew at Stolen Boats Canada wanted to remind everyone to review safety gear requirements, safe boating practices and regulations for conservation and sustainability.