Annual Reopening of Seasonal Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Bases in Ontario

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - April 24, 2015) -

Editors' Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

In preparation for the 2015 recreational boating season on the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay and St. Lawrence River, Canadian Coast Guard stations across Ontario are opening, subject to local ice conditions. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Lifeboats and crews are stationed at Kingston, Cobourg, Port Weller, Port Dover, Amherstburg, Goderich, Tobermory, Meaford, and Thunder Bay, Ontario. In addition to these stations the Canadian Coast Guard has Inshore Rescue Boat stations at Britt, Brebeuf Island, Hill Island, Port Lambton, Thames River and Long Point. The Inshore Rescue Boat Stations will be open in time for the long weekend in May.

Safe navigation begins with preparation and consultation of the available up-to-date information. Before venturing onto the waterways, it is recommended that boaters take the following steps:

1. Evaluate the condition of your boat and the gear after enduring the winter season in storage, especially the safety gear that is required by law and is imperative for a safe and enjoyable day on the water.

2. Ensure you have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) - all recreational boat operators must have their PCOC.

3. Know the waters in which you are operating. Keep up-to-date charts onboard your vessel and consult them. For a list of chart dealers, visit: www.charts.gc.ca.

4. The Canadian Coast Guard advises the marine public of hazards to navigation through broadcasts and written Notices to Shipping (NOTSHIPS). These NOTSHIPS, along with the marine weather forecast and other important navigational information, can be found at: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/e-navigation/index/GreatLakesNavigationalArea.

5. Be aware of Weather conditions. Marine information, such as weather and Notices to Shipping are also available on the Coast Guard's Continuous Marine Broadcast, which can be monitored on VHF radio channels 21B, 23B, 28B and 83B, depending upon your location. For any marine assistance, contact the nearest Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre on VHF channel 16.

6. Wear your lifejackets. Ensure everyone is wearing an approved personal flotation device (PFD) especially in small open boats.

North American Safe Boating Awareness Week takes place May 16-22, 2015. For more information, please visit:

http://www.csbc.ca/en/safety-campaigns/sbaw/overview

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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