Nanoose Power and Sail Squadron’s fourth Safety Sunday will be bigger and better this year, says organizer Mike Paterson.
The event, slated to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 at the Fairwinds Marina, is being held as part of Canadian Power Squadron’s Safe Boating Awareness Week.
The event will feature boat courtesy checks, for those who are not sure what they should have on board, and free copies of the new Safe Boating Guide and Safe Kayaking Guide will be available. There will also be available information about VHF radio and seamanship courses offered.
One issue Paterson hopes to address will be the safe disposal of old flares.
“Disposal of flares is a big issue here on the Island so, in conjunction with the Harbour Chandler, we have arranged for folks who buy replacement flares to be able to dispose of any obsolete ones at no extra cost,” he said, noting boaters will also have an opportunity to learn the proper way to fire off their distress flares.
“We will also be having a water retrieval demonstration so folks can see how difficult it can be to get an overboard person back into a boat unless you are properly prepared.”
The French Creek Coast Guard will be present and will host an open boat event, while Genesis Fire Protection will check and sell fire extinguishers. Local diver Lyle Montgomery will be on hand to advise on zinc replacement and underwater prop and hull checking.
For more information contact Cdr. Mike Paterson at 250-468-5696
• Do you have any marine-related items you want to get rid of?
The Schooner Cove Yacht Club will be on hand at the Safety Sunday event on May 29 to staff a garage sale table at the Fairwinds Marina.
The club will keep 10 per cent of the selling price for all items in order to pay for the service.
Drop items off at the tables at 9:30 a.m. on the deck outside the club’s Afterdeck. All items must be clean and have the asking price attached. Contact Bonnie Curl at 250-468-2091 or bcurl@shaw.ca.
• More than 50 kayaks and canoes arrived at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith on Saturday for the official opening of the Gulf Island and West Coast Vancouver Island BC Marine Trails Network.
The park system includes 27 access, picnic and camping sites in the Gulf Island trails, and 74 access, picnic and camping sites in the West Coast Vancouver Island trails.