Police in Metro Vancouver are issuing another reminder about water safety after officers had to rescue a man in a dingy on the Fraser River Sunday.
According to the New Westminster Police Department, officers on the Shaw-1 police boat on July 7 spotted a man in the inflatable dingy around 4:15 p.m. Officers noted the boat was being “swept down the river by the fast-moving current.”
Police say the officers noticed the dingy’s motor wasn’t working, and that the man only had an oar to use against the strong current.
Officers were able to get close enough and get a tow line secured. The man was safely helped to Quayside dock, police explain.
With temperatures rising and many looking to the water to cool off, police are reminding locals to ensure they take the appropriate precautions before heading out. In addition to familiarizing themselves with safety protocols, police say people should wear a properly fitted Personal Floatation Device (PFD), use a radio, and know the rules of boating.