With summer in full swing, it's a good time to consider water safety. Recently, the North Vancouver RCMP detachment began active, regular patrols of local waterways.
"We're there to make sure that people have a safe, enjoyable time and get back to their launch at night," explains Cpl.
The police marine patrol vessel will take to the water every weekend for the rest of the summer performing safety checks as recreational boating season gets underway. "We're also there to educate the boating community. We want them to be safe. We want them to enjoy themselves," says De Jong.
Safety checks include a list of required equipment on board. Depending on the type and size of the boat, that equipment may include items such as operator proof of competency cards, fire extinguishers and lifejackets.
"We strongly recommend that young children wear them at all times. Adults can set the example by wearing them themselves," says De Jong of life-jackets, which are mandatory to have on board. De Jong says he has seen boaters who sit on their lifejackets, and says police can't enforce common sense.
Sometimes the crew has made boaters aware of deficiencies at the marine launch before their boat is even in the water. "You'd be surprised what people try to put into the water after it sits all winter," says De Jong.
If you experience a flat tire on the road you can walk home, but on the water if there's an emergency you don't have a lot of choice for backup and assistance, he adds. It's important for boaters to be prepared before they hit the water, notes De Jong.
Accidents happen very quickly on the water, he says.
"We want people to enjoy the water especially in the summer time and to do it safely."
