The Capreol Railway Museum is hosting their opening today! Come on out to say hello.

Boating Safety Boating season has arrived and in preparation for the Victoria Long Weekend we would like to take this opportunity to remind community members of some important safety information and practices to review before heading out on the water. A careful check of your vessel and equipment is important. Take the time to review Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide. http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm It is your responsibility to be informed, have the proper documentation/licence and ensure your safety and the safety of passengers on your vessel. Our Marine Officers will be out on our waterways this weekend and throughout the boating season patrolling, educating and enforcing. Be Prepared for the Unexpected Check this list before every trip, especially your first trip of the season: • Lifejackets and PFDs – Wear Them! Carry a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD of the proper size, for each person on board. Make sure they are in good condition (check the zippers, buckles, fabric, seams, etc.); • Operator Competency – Are You Ready to Head Out on the Water? Take a boating safety course. Always carry your Pleasure Craft Operator Card or other proof of competency on board; • Weather – Check and monitor the marine weather forecast; • Inform – Tell a person you trust where you are going and when you will be back; • Safety Equipment – Required by Law and Essential for Safety. See Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide for the equipment required for your boat. Make sure all equipment is on board, in good working order and easy to reach. Carry a first aid kit, basic tools and spare parts; • Charts, Compass, GPS and Local Hazards – Know Where You Are at All Times. Make sure you are aware of all local hazards and water levels; • Fuel – Check Your Tank and Remember: 1/3 to go, 1/3 to return, 1/3 reserve; • Boat Condition – Should Your Boat Leave the Dock? o Check the hull for cracks or other damage. o Check the electrical, fuel, propulsion and cooling systems. o Make sure the throttle and steering work well. o Check the oil. o Check all hoses and lines for leaks or cracks, and replace if necessary. o Make sure all clamps and belts are secure and in good shape. o Inspect, clean and replace spark plugs if necessary. o Check and change oil and water filters if needed. o Check the battery’s charge. o Make sure the drainage plug is in place. o Carry spare plugs for all through hull fittings. o Make sure the load on your boat (gear and people) is well distributed. o Run the blowers for four minutes before starting the engine(s) and check for airflow; and • Safety Briefing – You Are Legally Responsible for Your Guests. Show everyone where you keep the safety equipment and explain how to use it. Make sure the communication equipment works and everyone knows how to use it. Other Things to Remember • Generally, open alcohol on a boat is illegal. Vessels equipped with a permanent toilet and cooking, and sleeping facilities are exceptions, but only while at anchor or docked. If you are transporting alcohol by boat, from place to place, there are rules. The alcohol must be sealed and out of reach; • The rules of impairment by alcohol or other drug are the same for vessels as they are for motor vehicles. Please operate your boat safely, which includes being alcohol and drug free; • Pleasure craft licences are required for vessels used only for recreational purposes and are powered by an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more unless they are registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels; • All operators of powered recreational watercraft used on Canadian waters must have proof of competency. The most common proof of competency is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Proof of competency is mandatory, regardless of age, length of boat or engine horsepower. You can get the card by taking a boating safety course in-person or online, and passing the test at the end of the course; and • Human powered vessels are subject to safety equipment carriage requirements. See the Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide for the requirements for your vessel.

Last night, we recognized some amazing individuals at our Community and Police Awards Gala, including community members as well as our own officers. We honoured these people for their courage, leadership, and strength of character. Whether it be for their heroic actions in a dangerous situation; putting someone else's safety before their own; or exemplifying what it means to be a leader in this community - we are so proud of the work they have accomplished. Thank you to all who attended this event, especially to our sponsors who made this event possible. All proceeds of this Gala go to the Chief's Youth Initiative Fund, which allows us to engage in activities such as: Kids, Cops and Ice-Fishing; Kids, Cops and Golfing; Shop with a Cop, and so much more. We are happy to conclude Police Week by acknowledging the very people who serve, protect and love our community, and who give of themselves for the needs of others.