A favourite summer pastime for locals is floating down the Granby and the Kettle Rivers. It’s a great recreational experience people can enjoy with family and friends.
People pack up the preferred floating devices, life-jackets, coolers and sunscreen and head out for an adventure as we take in the scenery and good company.
Residents and visitors to the Boundary also spend time at Christina Lake.
They enjoy being on the water skiing, boarding, swimming and playing along the shoreline. They are fortunate to have so many options to beat the heat.
Whether planning a trip tubing down the river or spending a day at the lake, it is important to be aware of the risks and be prepared to face them. No one leaves the house expecting trouble; however, when people and bodies of water are involved, there is always an element of risk.
When tubing or boating, it is important for everyone on board to be wearing a life-jacket. The rivers change almost daily. The water depth, current and shoreline is effected by the weather and floating debris. Even a strong swimmer can be caught off guard and without a life-jacket they increase the potential of becoming a drowning victim.
If you do not have enough life-jackets for friends and family members, Grand Forks Recreation (GFREC) will be happy to assist you.
There is a free loan program providing a variety of life-jacket sizes from infant to extra large adult.
Interested people can stop by the recreation office or give a call and GFREC will set people up with what is needed for the safety of loved ones.
Boating opens the door for a variety of activities from the serenity of fishing to the adrenaline rush of tubing and skiing.
With the increased boating activity on the lake in the summer, it is important to follow the rules of the waterway and include all the safety gear a boat requires on board.
If people are operating a boat or watercraft, a Boat Operators’ Certificate is required. Grand Forks Recreation provides the opportunity for individuals to study and write the BOAT exam at their convenience. A manual can be purchased and once someone has studied the material, they can call the GFREC office and a time will be set up when one can write the test. Upon successful completion of the exam, people will walk away with a temporary Boat Operators Card that very day.
Developing swim strength and endurance, combined with knowledge of safety skills is a win-win combination for everyone. Registering for lifesaving courses is taking responsibility to the next level. Participating in leadership courses like the Bronze Medallion and Cross camps provides individuals with the training they need to save lives.
The Bronze Camp is taking place at Christina Lake public beach July 29 to Aug. 2. The course runs Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take the opportunity to educate yourself in water safety. What you know and the skills you perfect may save you or someone you care about.
Contact GFREC for additional information on boat and water safety programs. You can also view the summer recreation brochure on our website at www.rdkb.com.
– Submitted by Kim Johnson, Grand Forks Recreation