REGINA — With the Victoria Day long weekend approaching and Safe Boating Awareness Week taking place May 16-22, the province is reminding residents to stay safe on Saskatchewan lakes and waterways.
The province hosted a demonstration at the Legislature on Monday attended by the Amphibious Response Safety Unit to show what it does to protect people on lakes and rivers across Saskatchewan.
The Amphibious Response Safety Unit operates out of Echo Valley Provincial Park and provides training, rescue work and education on water safety. Members were on hand with a mobile marine simulator, rescue vessel and their canine, Gusztav.
John Maczko, chief pilot and director, said the unit was started 11 years ago.
“We started off with a very basic message that was to promote boating safety, water safety in the province of Saskatchewan. Through those 11 years, we have pioneered to be the first in many things — bringing in K-9 Gusztav, our now seven-year-old Portuguese water dog, into our team as Saskatchewan's only water rescue canine, but also through the partnerships we've made from various organizations, businesses that believed in this cause and have really helped us out.”
He noted that part of the unit includes the mobile marine simulator from Virtual Marine, the only simulator in Western Canada, which was on display outside the Legislature. Also on display was an ocean-going vessel able to handle wind and waves, and which is used as the unit’s main rescue vessel.
Maczko said the vessel was used about a month after it arrived to assist three young women on Echo Lake who were in danger of drowning and bring them back to safety.
“We have a lot of great things happening in Saskatchewan and a lot of great ways that we can address members of the public to stay safe on the water. We do invite everyone to be a part of this, to come out to visit us, to stay vigilant, to stay safe all throughout the boating season, and to really look at the messaging that we have in Boating Safety Awareness Week.”
Alana Ross, minister of parks, culture and sport, reminded people of the need to stay safe.
“Safe Boating Awareness Week is a reminder to all of us to look out for ourselves, our families and everyone who enjoys Saskatchewan waterways. Across Canada more than 16 million people enjoy recreational boating each year, including many first-time boaters. The Canadian Safe Boating Council focuses on five simple proven messages that save lives. Always wear your life jacket, be sober, be prepared, take a boating course and be cold water safe. Following these steps can make a real difference.”
