Vancouver’s 2010 Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival

Transport Canada and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) want to remind all recreational boaters to take extra care and caution during the 2010 Celebration of Light fireworks festival in English Bay on July 21, 24, 28 and 31st.

Traditionally, more than 1,000 boats fill English Bay for each night of the event. In order to help improve safety, Transport Canada and the VPD request that boaters take some extra time to prepare before heading out for the fireworks. Double-check that all safety equipement is on board, all navigation lights are working and that you are familiar with the area.

Be alert on the water — operators are responsible for the safety of all on board! Transport Canada reminds anyone that operates a pleasure craft fitted with any type of motor to carry a form of proof of competency onboard.

Much of Canada’s water is cold year-round, so always wear a life jacket while boating. Most boating fatalities are caused by a combination of cold water shock and not wearing a lifejacket.

The law requires boat operators to carry an approved lifejacket for each person on board that fits properly. Wear it!  No longer bulky and ugly, today’s lifejackets are comfortable and slim-fitting.

After dark, vessels are required to display navigation lights at all times when on the water— any vessels without proper lighting will be required to leave the area immediately. Operators not familiar with operating a boat at night should consider watching the fireworks display from ashore.

Under the Contraventions Act, the VPD and other enforcement agencies can ticket boaters on the spot for boating offences such as not having the required safety equipment on board. Boaters can also be ticketed for:

• failing to display navigation lights at night;
• disobeying speed limits; or
• carelessly operating a vessel.

Safety checks will be done throughout the day and boaters without the required safety equipment on board will not be permitted to launch their boats into English Bay. In addition, any boats found throughout the festival without the necessary equipment or those without proper navigation lights will be directed to shore.

Transport Canada and the VPD would also like to remind boaters that impaired operation of a vessel is a criminal offence. Alcohol decreases reaction time and impairs judgement. Mixing boating with alcohol is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Remember, "Don't cruise with booze."

Boaters are encouraged to do their part by observing a few simple safety rules to make this a safe, incident-free event.

For information on boating safety, please call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website (www.boatingsafety.gc.ca).

Photo:  SHERWIN ANDAL/Eyes Of Sherwin Photography