Boater safety concerns raised following death of 10-year-old in B.C. waters
Advocates are raising concerns about boater safety in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a 10-year-old child in North Vancouver on Saturday evening.
According to the North Vancouver RCMP, the incident occurred when a boat was towing an inflatable tube carrying two children, and was hit by a speedboat just before 6:30 p.m. PT on June 7. Tragically, one child lost their life at the scene, while the other was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition. The driver of the speedboat, a North Vancouver man, was taken into custody by the police. As of Monday afternoon, the man has not been named by the authorities.
North Vancouver RCMP indicated that alcohol and speed may have been contributing factors to the crash, highlighting the importance of responsible boating practices. Bruce Hayne, the executive director of the Boating B.C. Association, emphasized the strict regulations regarding alcohol consumption on boats. While alcohol is prohibited on most day boats, incidents of non-compliance still occur, resulting in tragic consequences.
Transport Canada’s safe boating guide explicitly states that operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal, underscoring the need for boaters to adhere to safety regulations. Additionally, boaters are advised to maintain a safe speed, with specific speed limits in place near shorelines to ensure the safety of all individuals on the water.
Local residents have echoed concerns about reckless behavior and speeding by some boaters in the area, emphasizing the need for education and enforcement to promote safe boating practices. Both advocacy groups and community members have called for increased enforcement measures to prevent future accidents and ensure compliance with boating regulations.
Despite the availability of information on boating safety, education remains a critical component in enhancing waterway safety. Campaigns focused on promoting safe boating practices are being conducted to raise awareness and prevent further tragedies on the water. Additionally, calls for stricter enforcement, particularly at boat launches, have been made to ensure that boaters are properly licensed and operating vessels in a safe manner.
In light of the recent incident, stakeholders are urging boaters to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations while on the water. The tragic loss of a young life serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible boating practices and the need for increased vigilance to prevent similar accidents in the future.
