By Glenn Hicks

Boating safety promoted as smoke rolls into province

Aug 17, 2018 | 5:00 PM

There have been no major safety incidents on the region’s lakes so far this summer, and officials want to keep it that way.

The forecast is calling for widespread smoke from the wildfires burning in B.C. and some boaters told paNOW about reduced visibility on the local waters last Saturday because of the heavy smoke.

“That’s why we encourage people to ensure they operate at a safe speed, know the lake, and make sure they’re seen and can see others using our waterways,” Jarrett Taylor, supervising officer at Lakeland Protective Services, told paNOW. “Reflective vests always help if you’re wearing your PFD and the big thing is to turn those lights on, even if it’s during the day to help others see you.”

paNOW heard from experienced boaters who called last weekend’s smoky conditions “unheard of” and had to operate their boats at a crawl out of an abundance of caution.

“The smoke can potentially be a safety issue if it affects visibility, especially if you’re not as familiar with the sort of activity that goes on on the lake,” Taylor noted.

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He said if boaters followed the basic guidelines they would be safe. That includes being courteous and aware of others, wearing lifejackets, and having a registered pleasure craft and operator. Sobriety is just as important when boating as it is when driving a car, Taylor added.

“Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol, or anything for that matter, carries the same offence as if you were driving down the highway,” Taylor said.

Environment Canada said widespread smoke will create reduced visibility, poor air quality, and hazy skies across our region. A cold front tracking in from Alberta may bring widespread, dense smoke into Saskatchewan through the day on Saturday with very poor air quality.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertNOW