With the boating season in full swing, and the recreational groundfish fishery to begin this weekend, the RCMP is reminding boaters to stay safe.
The RCMP will be patrolling the waters around the province enforcing the Canada Shipping Act and will be checking for many things including PFD's, operator competency, vessel licences and all the required safety equipment.
Every year Newfoundland and Labrador has avoidable fatalities that are related to power and non-powered boats.
Things that can done to ensure safety on the water include:
• paying attention to the current and forecasted conditions of the weather and water;
• ensuring that the operator is familiar with the area;
• ensuring that the vessel is suitable for use in your waters and that the vessel is seaworthy.
There are also numerous safety items that are required by law depending on the type and size of your vessel.
These can be found on Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety website at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca
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