North Vancouver Hosts Urgent Boater Safety Event Amid Tragedy

UPDATE: An urgent boater safety event took place on July 15, 2023, at Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park, as the North Vancouver RCMP and local agencies rallied to promote safe boating practices. The initiative, known as Project Wave, aimed to educate the public on essential rules following a tragic accident that claimed the life of 10-year-old Lionel Hall and severely injured his friend Onur Yucel just weeks prior.

Authorities reported that roughly 70 boaters were inspected for compliance with licensing and safety equipment requirements during this critical educational exercise. Cpl. Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP emphasized the necessity of this initiative, stating, “We always want as many people as possible to be educated on this topic. What we’re seeing is that not everybody is educated, not everybody does their research.”

Boaters were reminded of the crucial regulations under Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide. Participants were required to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to legally operate any motorized vessel, as well as ensure that their boats displayed a valid license number. “That’s required for all motorized vessels being operated in Canada,” said Chris Hanlon, a boating safety officer for Transport Canada. This is vital for tracking boats that go missing and identifying their owners.

The event revealed a concerning trend: many boaters misunderstood safety equipment regulations. For instance, life jackets must be Government of Canada approved, clearly marked with a stamp. Additionally, vessels were checked for operational flashlights, while paddle boarders were reminded to wear or carry life jackets and pack a whistle. “There [were] quite a few that did not, and so we basically directed them back to the shore and escorted them,” Sahak noted. Fortunately, no tickets were issued during the two-hour initiative.

The urgency of this year’s Project Wave was palpable, heightened by the recent accident at the same site. The collision in June shocked the community and underscored the importance of safe boating practices. “In general, anytime there’s a tragedy, people do tend to focus on that topic,” Sahak explained. “We hope to continue this momentum and educate boaters about the consequences of impaired boating, driving recklessly, or just unsafe boating.”

With participation from various agencies, including the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and the Vancouver Police Department Marine Section, the initiative aims to prevent future tragedies. Sahak reiterated the importance of understanding the unique challenges of being on the water, emphasizing that “impaired boating is a problem just as much as it is on land.”

As Project Wave enters its 11th year, the North Vancouver RCMP remains committed to spreading awareness. By educating the public, they aim to ensure that boaters can enjoy their time on the water safely and responsibly. “By having these events, we hope to educate people so they can better understand their responsibilities, and that way they’re protected on the water,” Sahak concluded.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local boating regulations and safety tips to make their recreational activities as safe as possible. For more updates on North Vancouver and West Vancouver news, sign up for our free daily newsletter.