The RCMP's West Coast Marine division is stationed in Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanamoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

safe boating

‘It’s so important to have those life jackets:’ police preach boating safety as summer approaches

May 25, 2023 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — An increased police presence on local waters coincides with a marked jump in the number of boaters enjoying the ocean and area lakes.

Cst. David Kokesch with the RCMP’s West Coast Marine said their Nanaimo based 65 foot catamaran will be visible throughout the region this season as their team focusses on boating safety.

“If you don’t have enough life jackets on your vessel you’re getting a ticket,” Kokesch told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Under the Canada Shipping Act, boaters must have Canadian approved life jackets or personal flotation devices on board.

Fines of $200 multiply for each occupant who doesn’t have access to a life jacket or PFD.

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“It’s so important to have those life jackets out and ready because if something goes sideways, when you’re actually going to need them, it goes sideways fast. You should be wearing them.” Kokesch said.

West Coast Marine officers also take a zero tolerance approach when it comes to impaired boating.

Kokesch said a dangerous misconception exists that impaired boating, particularly on lakes, is less serious than driving a vehicle while under the influence.

“But the laws are the same. If you get caught impaired boating it’s the same laws than what it is for vehicles.”

All drivers of motorized vessels are required to have a pleasure craft operators card, which can be obtained through an online course.

Kokesch said their officers spend a majority of their time on education as opposed to enforcing fines, emphasizing that financial penalties are typically used for serious cases of unsafe boating.

“We’re not out to get stats, it’s for safety. If you could come with us once to a fatal boat accident during the summer and see how devastating it really is you’d see why we are so passionate about getting this equipment across to people and them carrying it.”

This is Safe Boating Awareness Week, recognized by the Canadian Safe Boating Council since 1995.

According to the organization, 80 per cent of people who drown while boating in Canada either weren’t wearing a life jacket or PFD, or weren’t wearing them properly.

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