2017 SunCruiser Shuswap

Words by Erin Vieira
How to HAVE FUN
and STAY SAFE
in the Shuswap this summer
HERE ARE SIX TIPS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE
AND ENJOYABLE TIME BOATING IN THE SHUSWAP:
Justin Jensen
1. Always wear your lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device
(PFD) when you are out on the water. It’s the most important
way to prevent a disaster – this is true whether you are boating,
floating, towing, paddling, or SUPing.
2. Have a sober skipper – never boat under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
3. Be prepared for every outing on the water. Check your predeparture
checklist, including bringing all your safety equipment
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on board, checking the weather, and telling someone where you
are going.
4. Be extra cautious around cold water, such as in early summer or
if you are diving more than a metre below the surface. Deep water
is cold water, and it can disable you from re-surfacing.
5. Always use a spotter for tow sports.
6. When boating, watch for floating or partially submerged debris.
Remember, the Shuswap is surrounded by forest, and that means
that logs and debris may be in the water at any time of year.
If you’re in need of a lifejacket for a child, you can borrow one for
a day free-of-charge from a Kids Don’t Float PFD loaner station,
provided by the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue,
Station 106 Shuswap. Loaner stations are located at Sicamous
Beach, Canoe Beach, Shuswap Lake Provincial Park at Scotch
Creek, Herald Provincial Park, and downtown Salmon Arm at the
wharf (and additional kiosks are planned for the future). Make sure
you select one with the proper fit – when the lifejacket is fastened, it
should be snug and you shouldn’t be able to lift the lifejacket higher
than the child’s ears. Be a good role model – wear yours, too!
Boaters are encouraged to download the Royal Canadian Marine
Search and Rescue Safe Boating app for iPhone or Android. It
has Transport Canada regulated equipment requirements, helpful
checklists, VHF radio channels, and more.
Be safe, and make every boating outing in the Shuswap a return
outing!
Erin Vieira is program manager for the Shuswap Watershed Council.
The Shuswap Watershed Council is a partnership of the Columbia
Shuswap Regional District, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, City
of Salmon Arm, Secwepemc Nation, and the province of BC. It works
to enhance water quality and safe recreation in the Shuswap.
38 SHUSWAP SUNCRUISER