* 20 - Sunday, February 5, 1989 - North Shore News BOATING IS a populer hobby but safety should be kept in mind when operating a small craft. Nissan is one : oy Photo aubmitted ‘* boating company that has introduced a safety shut-off tether in the event of an emergency. Power boat safely POWER BOATING is a fun way to relax for the entire family, but as with any watcr activity, safety must be kept in mind, said Terry Slater, Nissan’s Canadian Marine Department manager. Since personal safety is impor- tant when operating a power boat, Nissan has included a safety shui- off tether cn every model. A tether wrist strap joins the operator and the motor together. In the event of an emergency — like the operator falling overboard — the tether strap quickly releases from the motor and the engine shuts off. With most outhnards, if the propeller hits a hard object under the water, the shear pin breaks, leaving the operator stranded. “On the § hp model and larger there is a rubber clutch in the pro- peller hub,’’ explains Slater. ‘If an object is struck by the propeller there would be damage and reduc- ed power, but the operator would still have enough power to get the boat to safety.” In all models except the 2.5 hp and 3.5 hp, a protection device has been built in making it impossible to start the motor ‘‘in gear.”’ This contributes to operator and pas- senger safety right from the start. Don’t Let This Offer The fast catcti ot the season an Me on TOO wou and waar Tere PWotatiwes fas Late ere tos cha mate 8 watead diung vat the Betton han ats anda thtuugh Thuratay fora fab ss cbp thas ¢ goad through March 2 1UNU at at ecatons Beastieouse te staurant We qusrantes paul tae hehe! Ofer This coupon cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Maximum two coupons (Not vaid on Feb. 14/89) per party ~ No separate checks. Reservations Recommended F 4 NEW WESTMINSTER, 900 Quayside Dine N Westminster 525-FISH RICHMOND Richmond 273-7014 COAL HARBOR 8331 Rnet Koad = 366 Cordero Street HORSESHOE BAY 6695 Nelwan Avenue West Vaacower 9215188 Vancouver 669-8851 | Drinking, boating an unwise mix HUNDREDS OF Canadians lost their lives on Canadian waterways last year. Alcohol was involved in more than half of these accidents, ac- cording to the Canadian Red Cross. “Since 10 million Canadians use small boats and six million of these people are only occasional boaters whose knowledge of water safety is poor, it is not surprising that acci- dents occur,’’ said Don Shrop- shire, the Canadian Red Cross’ National Coordinator, Health and Safety Services. ‘‘What is shocking is that these people mix alcohol and boating,’’ he added. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, drinking alcohol while boating is illegal unless the vessel is moored for a reasonable period of time and has a galley, head and berth. “Dropping anchor in the middle of a channel and opening a can of beer while throwing a fishing linc over the side does not constitute a reasonable length of time,’’ said Staff Sergeant Larry Smith of the Ontario Provincial Police’s Traffic and Marine Section. Penalties for drinking while boating include fines, loss of privi- lege to operate a vessel and even imprisonment. Also, driving a boat under suspension is considered a criminal offense. ff you drink, the Red Cross recommends waiting until all water recreation activities are finished. It also suggests combining drinking with eating and waiting at least 14% hours per drink before getting back to the helm. For those incerested in learning abcut boating safety, courses are Offered nationally by Canadian Power Squadrons, the Canadian Yachting Association and the Red Cross. Nautical charts and other navigational information may be obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Ottawa, and from the Institute of Ocean Beiences in Sidney, British Colum-' ia. Information on marine reguia- tions published by the Government of Canada may be obtained from the Publishing Centre, Supply and Services Canada, Hull, Quebec, KIA 089. Fun Seekers USE THE NEWS he North Shore NOW section of the NEWS provides readers from 18 to 80 with the information they need to plan their weekend. From what’s hap- pening around the North Shore to places to dine, or just sometining fun to do, the NOW section THE VOICE OF NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER north ‘shore | ed eo eae: SUNDAY «- WEDNESDAY + IDAY We work for you! will point you in the right direction. There’s also the complete week’s TV listings, an entertainer profile, as well as book, record and video reviews in every issue. When you're looking for a better way to spend your leisure time or just a little fun and excitement, USE the NEWS.