Boat operators limited to 50 people
Operators of tour boats that ply Okanagan Lake must comply with various safety protocols related to COVID-19, WorkSafeBC says.
And the capacity of the larger vessels, which board passengers from a dock in downtown Kelowna, has been reduced to 50 guests.
Kelowna Cruises, which operates two vessels, has a COVID-19 plan posted on its website.
Details include shifting of seating areas to increase separation between passengers; enhanced cleaning, particularly of common touch points such as door handles and sink faucets; mandatory face masks for staff; and, installation of sanitation stations.
On July 27, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued new orders to prevent large numbers of people from gathering in hotel and motel rooms, vacation homes, and on privately rented houseboats.
Gatherings are limited to the specified occupancy designation, plus five visitors.
But commercial tour boats are permitted to operate so long as they comply with regulations from WorkSafeBC.
This is the relevant protocol under the WorkSafeBC’s website relating to parks, camping, and tourism operations: “For water-based activities, ensure adequate distancing is maintained between guests wherever possible.
“If considering the use of masks, take into consideration any safety considerations that would be introduced by the use of masks in these environments, and be advised that nonmedical masks may lose their effectiveness if they become wet.”