A training session organized by Mike Bickerstaffe and Paul Brunette on the use of Emergency Flares was conducted on July 2 at the club.

Mike contacted the authorities to obtain permission to conduct the land based training at the club for two sessions one at 20:30 and the other from the main dock after the fireworks were over.

A review of the operating procedures for each of the 4 types or emergency flares was completed and a demonstration of the proper operation of each type was shown to the 20 or so participants while there was enough daylight to see properly.

Those wishing to practice using a hand held flares were provided given that opportunity during daylight and after dark supervised by Mike. Participants were appreciative of the opportunity. Once the training was completed the authorities were again notified.

A couple of key takeaways, first our training using actual flares is usually not granted, white flares are typically used for practice.

The practice firing of flares should be restricted to these opportunities provided by the club or other authorized organizations as flare firing outside of these venues may be confused as an actual emergency requiring response by Search and Rescue and Police.

For information on boating related offenses in Canada, visit aceboater.com.

Mike and I would like to thank all who supported our event by donating their used flares for the training or by their participation.

— Paul Brunette