"Let’s see you wear your PFD" is a survey BAYSAR has conducted for the past two years.
During the Civic Holiday weekend, BAYSAR will bring public awareness to the dangers of boating without a lifejacket to North Bay area boaters.
BAYSAR Air Search and Rescue is an all-civilian volunteer organization based in North Bay, funded through local donations and volunteer fundraising. BAYSAR is on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week for both air and ground searches.
BAYSAR will also be flying over the water to count how many boaters are wearing their PFDs.
“Finding someone in the water who needs help is not an easy task,” said Stan French, President, BAYSAR Search and Rescue.
“While BAYSAR prides itself in being able to get a crew in the air within an hour after being asked to assist in a search, it could be several hours before someone in danger is found. Strong swimmers may be able to survive in the water for several hours without the help of a PFD. But what people don’t realize is that a PFD is also highly visible from the air. Your chances of being found without one are very slim. Our message is simple. Wear your PFD!”
“Each year tragedy strikes many Ontario families when a family member drowns.
Many of these cases are preventable by using a lifejacket and educating children on water safety.
"Enjoy the many lakes and rivers that we have in Ontario but always keep water safety in mind and wear your lifejacket,” said Staff Sergeant Irving Sloss, North Bay Ontario Provincial Police.
“It is in everybody’s interest to spread the word about boating safety,” said Acting Chief Shawn Devine, North Bay Police Service. “We are pleased to stand with our police partners and community leaders in the field of water safety to ensure that those who use our waterways are doing so in a responsible manner.”
For videos on boating safety, including Boating and Drinking tests, visit http://www.csbc.ca/index.php/en/safety-campaigns/operation-dry-water/252-operation-dry-water-videos
