NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

Renee Geniole, operations co-ordinator with R.O.C.K. Missions, which provides street-level support to the municipality’s most vulnerable citizens, said the shelter had an ever-changing roster of inhabitants.

“There has been somebody living under there, but it’s been different people going in and out, basically since the bridge opened,” she said. The Third Street Bridge opened fully last August after a year and a half of extensive renovation work.

“The way the bridge was built, you could tuck yourself right up underneath there,” Greniole added. “There have been at least eight-to-ten different people using that place.”

That doesn’t count the people who would come by just to hang out.

“It also became a kind of safe place too. There are

The warm weather is here, and many Ontarians are getting out on the water. To make sure you have a fun - and safe - experience, make sure you review these six tips for safe boating.

6 Tips for Safe Boating

still a lot of people who couch surf or hop from place to place,” Greniole said. “It was used by a ton of people to go to just hang out or as a safe place just to crash for a couple of hours.”

Greniole credited Smith and her staff at employment and social services for doing a great job working with the people living under the bridge to get them alternative living arrangements.

1. Ensure all safety equipment is packed before you hit the water. Check that all the safety equipment required by law for your vessel and its size is on board and in good working condition. (Psst: you might be surprised what you legally need in your canoe!) These items include life jackets/PFD for every passenger, a First Aid kit, a buoyant heaving line, a sound signalling device (like a whistle), a bail bucket, a watertight flashlight, and a paddle or anchor. When packing up your boat, keep these items within reach. Emergencies happen fast. Other items that could come in hand include: cell phone, extra sunscreen, water, snacks and clean dry clothes.

*Extra tip - attach your whistle to your life jacket/PFD so you can signals for help in an emergency.

2. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket/PFD and be sure everyone else on board is wearing one too.

“They worked hard to find them places to go and to work with them to find them a more longterm place to be,” she explained.

The risk of cold-water immersion is high this time of year. Within one minute of landing in the water, you can’t swim, so be smart and buckle up. Whether you’re in a motorboat, kayak or SUP board, always wear an approved life jacket or PFD. Check the label: your life jacket should be approved by Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and/or the Canada Coast Guard. Don’t forget to check your lifejacket for wear, especially rips and tears. No PFD? Borrow one for free at 70 of Ontario Parks.

3. Follow the law and get your boating license (Motorized Pleasure Craft Operator Card). Pleasure craft operators are required by Transport Canada to take and pass an accredited course before they get behind the wheel of a boat.

4. Don’t drink and drive (or paddle). It’s illegal and dangerous. Have “water on the water” and save the “beer for the pier”. Drinking while boating incurs the same legal penalty as drinking while driving a car.

5. Plan your trip. Know your route, and use official nautical charts.

It’s also a good idea to fill our a Trip Preparation Form, which provides information about your boat (make, year, name, colour) and outlines your destination, travel route, expected return time, the names of all the people in your party and instructions in case of emergency. Leave a copy with someone responsible at home. Don’t forget to keep a close eye on the weather. Have a plan for getting back to shore should the water turn rough.

6. Know your vessel and its capabilities. Got a new boat? Don’t take it out for the first time on unknown waters. Each vessel is different from weight distribution to rough water performance. Find out lots more info for a great summer at www.ontarioparks.com