National Safe Boating Week kicks off with the start of the May long weekend

As the May long weekend kicks off the unofficial start of summer in 2024, it also marks Safe Boating Awareness Week, with officials in British Columbia emphasizing the importance of safety on local waterways.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Ross Lundie stressed the significance of understanding and following safety measures to ensure everyone’s safe return home after a day out on the water. The week, running from May 18 to 24 across Canada, began on a tragic note this year when two boats collided near Kingston, Ont., resulting in three fatalities and five injuries.

The Ontario Provincial Police reported that the crash occurred on Bobs Lake around 9:30 p.m. involving an open-bow fishing boat and a speed boat. Two women, aged 21 and 22, along with a 23-year-old man, were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured individuals ranged from 21 to 44 years old.

The Canadian Safe Boating Council highlighted the importance of safety precautions as the boating season begins, emphasizing the need for lifejackets, sobriety while operating a boat, and proper training for operators. They also advised boaters to be prepared, stay informed about weather conditions, and file a trip plan before setting sail.

Both Lundie and Mike Dean, chairperson of the Canadian Safe Boating Council, emphasized that safe boating practices should be a year-round commitment to ensure a fun and incident-free experience on the water.