Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, May 17, 2018
Regional Optimist
www.newsoptimist.ca
Promoting Safe Boating Practices to Canadians North American Safe Boating Awareness Week will take place across Canada from May 19th to May 25th, 2018. The purpose of this initiative, managed by the CSBC (Canadian Safe Boating Council) and its partners, is to promote safe and responsible boating practices to the estimated 15 million recreational boaters in Canada. Although boating related fatalities have trended downwards in past years, there continues to be an average of over 100 boating related deaths annually in Canadian waters. With people gearing-up to launch their boats after a long winter slumber, the goal of the week is to continue to bring those numbers down by ensuring that Canadians who head out in any type of boat have the appropriate knowledge to help them have a safe day on the water. The timing of the week, starting on the May long weekend, is perfectly aligned with the unofficial start of summer and a time when many boating fatalities occur. There are five key boating safety behaviours to be delivered, all directed towards the most common boating related accidents. They include: 1. Wear a Lifejacket 2. Boat Sober 3. Take a Boating Course 4. Be Prepared – Both You and Your Vessel 5. Be Aware of the Risks of Cold Water Immersion
To help media in communicating safe boating messages, short stories to be used as discrete articles and 30-second audio and video PSAs are available. They are easy to download and free of charge on the www.csbc. ca website. Beta quality is also available upon request. In addition to offering media ready materials, a number of activities are taking place during this year's campaign. Launches In Canada, there will be five launches for media, public
and boating safety educators alike. On May 17th, Toronto, Dartmouth and Winnipeg will kick of North American Safe Boating Awareness Week. Vancouver will launch Safe Boating Awareness Week on May 19th and Saskatoon on May 22nd. 2018 Focus The impending legalization of cannabis along with the rise in prescription narcotic use is causing significant additional concern for boating safety advocate groups, enforcement agencies and first responders alike. Alcohol alone has long been proven to be a contributing factor in 40% of boating fatalities across Canada but the legalization of recreational cannabis has the potential to significantly increase this statistic. In response to this, at each of our launches, there will be media conferences put on by local and regional police to discuss emphasize the importance of not consuming ANY alcohol or drugs either before or while boating. The Safe Boating Awareness Week initiative is promoted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), a registered charity, with support from its members, partners and Transport Canada Office of Boating. For additional information on both the event and boating safety information, please visit www.csbc.ca. Social Media: Facebook: @csbcboatingtips Twitter: @csbc_bt_tips Instagram: csbc_boatingtips
Seven tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay when you’re camping Destination...
Summer Fun!
We all love camping. Mosquitoes, not so much! Do you think that you can’t have one without the other? Well, these tips will help you avoid being attacked by a horde of bloodthirsty insects so that you can finally enjoy your time in the great outdoors.
1. Be sure there aren’t any holes or tears in your tent’s fabric, and keep it zipped shut at all times. 2. Choose a campsite surrounded by deciduous trees rather than conifers. 3. Pitch your tent in an area that has a nice breeze and is far away from any
For all your fishing, camping and water sports needs, be sure to shop Canadian Tire
standing water, electrical posts and toilets. 4. Avoid entering and leaving your tent frequently and don’t leave its flap unzipped unless it’s really necessary — you should also take off your shoes and turn off your flashlight before entering the tent (you can place a tarp near the entrance for your shoes). 5. Light a fire before the sun sets (the smoke will chase away the mosquitoes). 6. Arm yourself with a good bug spray or other insect-repellent product. 7. Wear long shirts and pants in light colours.
Able Septic ServiceS OPEN MONDAYSATURDAY
PORTABLE ICE MAKER
CALL 24 HOURS AHEAD FOR SERVICE
11802 Railway Ave. East, North Battleford 306-446-3333
SERVING THE AREAS OF • Meota • Jackfish Lake • Murray Lake • Cochin • North Battleford • Aquadeo
306•892•4345