Man in Distress Rescued by Transport Canada & RCMP Boat Patrols on Osoyoos Lake.
On August 12th, 2011, Transport Canada and the Oliver/Osoyoos RCMP were conducting checks of pleasure craft on Osoyoos Lake when one of the Boating Safety Officers aboard, noticed a toy dinghy well off shore of a public swimming area flipped over and the adult occupant go into the water with no PFD. The person was in distress and was struggling to stay above water. The Transport Canada Patrol Vessel responded to the male’s location and noted the male signaling for help. The male was out of breath and had just enough strength to grab onto one of the boat lines. One of the Boating Safety Officers, in concert with an RCMP officer, lifted the male into the patrol boat and brought him and his dinghy back to shore. Other than being out of breath, the 43 year old male from South Surrey suffered no injuries and did not require medical attention. Given the circumstances, it was felt that the male would have drowned had the patrol vessel not been there to assist.
Transport Canada would like to remind the public that toy inflatable dinghy’s and other such devices are designed for use in shallow water in designated swimming areas. There have been several deaths this summer where people using these devices navigated out in the middle of lakes or down fast flowing rivers without proper safety precautions. For those that choose to partake in these activities, be aware that, under the Canada
Shipping Act and Small Vessel Regulations, these devices are now considered a vessel and minimum safety equipment such as a PFD and whistle are required.
Pictured supplied by the CBC