Boat safety should be the top of every Hatter's mind when testing the waters. (CHAT File Photo)

By Adrian St.Onge

SAFETY FIRST

Boat Safety Awareness Week kicks off this weekend, boaters urged to be safe

May 14, 2024 | 12:05 PM

May 18 marks the beginning of Safe Boating Awareness Week and officials say safety should be top of mind when testing the waters as Hatters gear up for the May long weekend.

Derek Hope from the South Eastern Alberta Search and Rescue Association said that the speeds of currents are often underestimated.

He added that certain points of the river can be walked across, but is also home to depths as far as 60 feet deep.

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Hope said that boating licenses gives an awareness to situations developing around you, but stresses that other factors need to be considered as well.

“Boat safety is massively important for us. It’s unfortunate that most of the time, water based things that happen around here are recoveries as opposed to being rescues,” Hope said.

“But floating in your flamingo, even if you are going to float the river in your flamingo, just make sure you have your personal flotation devices on, a little less beer because that’s normally ensues with that is extra alcohol and lack of personal flotation devices for everyone,” he said.

Hope said people should consider is letting people know where you expect to go and when, to paddle within your abilities, never go alone and if you get to shore as soon as you can if you capsize.