The VPD Marine Unit is reminding boat and personal watercraft (PWC) operators to be cautious, after two operators were plucked from English Bay.
The first incident happened on Monday, July 20th, around 8 p.m., when officers responded to an injured PWC operator north of Jericho Beach. When officers arrived, they determined that two PWCs had collided and one operator had been thrown in the water. The Canadian Coast Guard took the operator to shore where she was transported to hospital with a broken leg.
The other operator was issued a $345 Federal Contravention Act Violation ticket for the careless operation of a vessel.
The second incident happened on Tuesday, July 21st, around 7 p.m., when a life guard stationed at Third Beach reported that a small boat travelling at high speed hit two waves, became airborne and threw the operator into the water. The operator was not wearing a lifejacket and had not attached the boat’s kill-switch lanyard, and the boat continued to circle and close in on him as he treaded water. A passing boat was able to rescue him and he was not injured.
“Police are reminding the public to be cautious when operating personal watercraft,” says Constable Jamie Gibson of the VPD Marine Unit. “Without the proper preparation and care, the ocean can be a dangerous place.”
For more information on how to stay safe on the water, please see Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.
