The Canadian Coast Guard is asking recreational mariners to stay off the water and away from small harbours during the coronavirus crisis.
In a letter sent to yacht clubs in B.C., Roger Girouard, assistant commissioner of the Western Region of the Canadian Coast Guard, said small communities and jetties could be closed, and every rescue brings additional risk for crews.
“The coast guard has responded to a greater number of search-and-rescue calls in British Columbia as compared to the same time last year,” Girouard wrote.
“With each response, our search and rescue specialists put themselves at risk of exposure to COVID-19 and use precious supplies of personal protective equipment that is also much needed by critical-care workers.”
The letter also warned that most small coastal communities in B.C. have banned or restricted visitors.
“Your presence in an area could have a serious impact on vulnerable community members, and if you were to get sick, strain the limited health-care resources of that community,” Girouard wrote. “If you choose to travel or self-isolate, you may not have access to fuel, supplies and other services in those communities.”
In an open letter published April 17, Sechelt Mayor Darnelda Siegers, Gibsons Mayor Bill Beamish, Sunshine Coast Regional District chair Lori Pratt, and shíshálh Nation Chief Warren Paull said tourists are not welcome.
“In small communities throughout B.C., the message is the same. Stay home, stay local in your own town, and do not visit your second home, your campsite, your family and friends down the highway or a ferry ride away,” they wrote.
The Ahousaht First Nation on Flores Island, a 30-minute ferry ride north of Tofino, was one of the first to close.
On March 16 all work was postponed on a large sewage contract and only band members are now permitted.
B.C. declared a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak two days later.
Calling on the lore of the sea, Girouard asked boaters to follow “a long and proud tradition” of coming to the aid of others.
“On behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, I am asking all mariners to once again come to the aid of others by avoiding non-essential trips and consider staying close to home to save lives as our country works to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
On Sunday, Canadian Coast Guard patrol vessel M. Charles M.B. moored in Vancouver’s English Bay.
The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club has closed its offshore stations and asked members to restrict unnecessary travel.
