5 tips to help Vancouver boaters and paddlers stay safe during the Honda Celebration of Light

It’s almost that time of year again when the skies light up for a dazzling firework display — yep, the Honda Celebration of Light is right around the corner.

And if you’re choosing to watch the show from the water, then listen up, because we’ve got some essential safety tips to keep the good times rolling safely.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Vancouver Police Department, Canadian Coast Guard, and partner agencies want to ensure the safety of everyone, and are advising recreational boaters and paddlers to stay informed about important safety guidelines and temporary marine restrictions.

Here’s what you need to know before heading out on the water.

Plan and prep first

Before you head out, make sure you check current conditions, including weather, tides, and currents.

Make sure your craft is equipped with the basics: a flashlight, whistle, and sound-signalling device. And, make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket or has a personal flotation device.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Be aware of hazards like tides, currents, shallows and other recreational boats, watercraft, and commercial ships. If you’re in a canoe, kayak, or any other non-powered vessel, stay close to shore to avoid interfering with the navigation of larger boats and other vessels.

It’s also important to observe the speed limits: Maintain a 5-knot (9.26 km/h) speed limit 200 m around the exclusion zone into the spectator area.

Keep wake and wash to a minimum to avoid damage to sensitive habitat, property, or other vessels. Be aware of the laws about intoxicant use — it is prohibited to operate a boat while impaired.

Stay out of the fireworks exclusion zone

We know the fireworks are amazing, but they’re not something you want to be too close to!

There will be a 365 m radius buoyed fireworks exclusion zone — do not get close enough to touch the safety buoys or allow your vessel to touch them. When you’re anchoring, stay far enough back from the exclusion zone and far enough away from other vessels to account for your boat’s movement when the tide changes.

And, always follow the directions of regulatory and response vessels around the exclusion zone during the event — they’re there to keep everyone safe.

Boaters should monitor VHF channel 16 at all times to learn about restricted areas. In Burrard Inlet, monitor VHF 12.

Be safe, be seen

It’s easy to forget how different boating becomes at night — it can be hard to see your surroundings in the dark, and everything is a little more unpredictable.

Use proper navigation lights so other boaters can spot you — and remember, if you’re anchoring to watch the show, your anchor lights should be on, and your navigation lights should be off.

Before leaving, remember to turn your navigation lights back on.

What to do in an emergency

Hopefully your night is all smooth sailing — but in case of an emergency, you can call the Canadian Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or by phoning 911.

The Vancouver Police Department’s Marine Unit will also be out on the waterways to police the event and help boaters.

Find more essential safety tips over on the Port of Vancouver’s website, and be sure to review the Boaters’ Handbook for the Burrard Inlet.

Happy Honda Celebration of Light!