RCMP urges boating safety in Nunavut

After three Nunavut men died in boating accidents over the past week, the Nunavut RCMP is calling on boaters to pay attention to safety regulations and Transport Canada guidelines for small-craft users.

Tommy and Noah Kalluk drowned July 28 near Arctic Bay while on a seal-hunting trip. Noah Metuq of Pangnirtung died Aug. 1 after he fell into cold water in Cumberland Sound.

Transport Canada’s website has all the necessary information, the RCMP said in a news release.

Their safety regulations require the following:

1. Canadian-approved personal flotation device or life jacket of appropriate size for each person on board. (The RCMP highly recommends wearing the life jacket, as once immersed in very cold water, people cannot maintain muscle control for very long. This said, even someone who can swim will be disabled in a few minutes.)

2. One watertight flashlight or Canadian-approved flares of Type A (Rocket Parachute), Type B (Multi-Star), Type C (Hand), or Type D (smoke signals.)

3. A buoyant heaving line, minimum 15 metres in length

4. Lifebuoy attached to a buoyant line at least 15 metres long.

5. Set of oars or a paddle or an anchor with at least 15 metres of cable

6. Sound signalling device

7. One reboarding device (depending on the dimensions of the boat.

8. Bailer or one manual bilge pump.

9. A 5BC fire extinguisher if the craft is equipped with an inboard engine

10. A radar reflector (in certain conditions.)