By Daryl Major

Boaters urged to put safety first

May 22, 2017 | 7:04 AM

NANAIMO — With May long weekend marking the unofficial start to summer, you can bet boaters are getting their crafts ready for another season on the water.

While having fun might be the number one priority, Boating BC President Don Prittie is urging boaters to put safety first.

“We want to get people out on the water,” said Prittie. “We want them to do it safely and really enjoy their time on the water. In order to do that they need to be prepared and do a few very common sense things to come back safe.”

The common sense tips include always wearing a personal flotation device, having emergency kits on board and a float plan so people know where you are going.

Prittie adds mid-island boaters should always be aware of their surroundings, especially when navigating around ferries.

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“Small boats are much more nimble than large,” he said. “Big commercial vessels, you need to give them a very clear pass so that you don’t get into trouble. There’s an old saying ‘might is right.’ You don’t want to get into a situation where they can’t stop or they can’t turn and avoid a collision.”

Prittie adds that boaters are generally very responsible and that’s reflected by the low number of calls for help from emergency services.

daryl.major@jpbg.ca