Boaters safe after watercraft flips

Queens District RCMP is reminding the public about basic safety rules on the water after a motorized watercraft flipped over in the Charlottetown Harbour on Sunday.

The people who were thrown in the water ended up being assisted by other boaters and brought back to shore. The police say nobody was injured.

Personal watercraft like Seadoos are now part of the mix of commercial and recreational boating in Charlottetown Harbour, including rental watercraft.

Corryn Clemence, business development manager with Port Charlottetown, says she is not aware of any conflicts between commercial, recreational and rental boating activity in Charlottetown Harbour.

“There is a boater’s code when there is larger vessels going in and out the harbour, that they need to stay a certain distance, but I haven’t heard of any issues,” said Clemence.

RCMP has provided the following reminders to those on the water:

- Don’t follow too closely behind other personal watercraft, quick, sudden manoeuvres can result in accidents;

-Always be on the lookout for action and other boating traffic around you;

-Remember, personal watercraft operation follows the same responsibilities as operating a motorized boat;

-Never operate a personal watercraft at night;

-Use an ignition cutoff switch or lanyard and attach it to your life-jacket. A quick pull on these lanyards will immediately stop the engine, preventing accidental runaway.

-Know how to get back on a personal watercraft in case you happen to fall off.