Norfolk County, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and the Norfolk County OPP all want to ensure boaters stay safe if they visit Pottahawk this weekend.
Visitors are being urged to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Health Unit does recommend avoiding events where physical distancing could be difficult.
However, they’ve provided a list of tips for anyone who may choose to attend this weekend.
Bylaw officers from the County and OPP officers will be on patrol in the area throughout the day to ensure public safety on and off the water.
Every year, police say Emergency Services respond to numerous injuries and impaired boaters while at Pottahawk.
To combat that, they say they’ll be conducting random vessel checks throughout the day, checking for sobriety and to ensure that all safety equipment is on board.
COVID-19 safety tips from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit:
● Do not attend if you feel unwell, have symptoms of COVID-19, have travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days, or been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
● Maintaining a distance of at least 2m from those who aren’t a part of the same “social bubble”
● Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub (i.e. hand sanitizer).
● If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
● Staying on one boat and not visiting other vessels
● Anchoring boats at least 2m apart, and not tying boats up together. Give neighboring boaters more space than usual.
● Not sharing food, beverages or personal items with others
● Frequently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared items (e.g. ladders, handles, steering wheels, faucets and toilets) using regular household cleaners.
● Not gathering in groups of more than 10 people
● Monitor your health for 14 days and call to seek medical advice/assistance if you become ill. Notify the Health Unit at 519-426-6170 EXT 9999 if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
The Norfolk County OPP have also offered up their own list of safety tips for anyone considering attending.
If you plan on attending Pottahawk, be prepared.
- Wear a life jacket or PFD at all times while boating. It’s too late to put on a lifejacket after you have fallen in.
- Make sure you leave a minimum 2 meters between vessels to properly distance yourself for everyone’s safety.
- Do not operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s against the law, and carries the same penalties as if you were driving your vehicle.
- Conduct a pre-departure check list for all required safety equipment. Safety equipment is required by law and may save your life.
- Check the weather forecast before leaving the dock. Weather can turn enjoyment into tragedy.
- Let someone know your destination and when you plan on returning. Avoid picking up hitch-hikers wanting to attend. A ride there does not guarantee a ride home. Let’s make sure everyone returns home safely.
- Have some type of Communications (VHF radio, Cell phone with charger). You may need to call for help.
- Carry you’re Pleasure Craft Operators Card, a license that allows someone to operate a boat, with them at all times.
- To plan ahead. Make sure someone on board will be sober and that person has an operator’s card with them.
Report an Impaired boater. Dial 911 on your Cell or Channel 16 on your VHF.