With an audience of over 100 eagerly waiting for the competition to begin, Fish Safe Coordinator, Gina Johansen explainedwhat the BC Fishing Industry is doing to improve safety on board and at this event focusing on the dangers of coldwater immersion. She helped the audience to appreciate that the fish they buy at the dock, grocery store orthat was prepared by one of the famous chefs at the Fest was caught by local fishermen who traveled many miles by boat and they have to be prepared to deal with the unexpected so that they can "Come Home Safely" to their families.

The immersion or survival suit race promoted the use of and speed necessary to don a suit in case of an emergency at sea. All BC Fishermen are requiredby WorkSafeBC to carry an immersion suit on board and to regularly completesafety drills that include donning and regular maintenance of the suit. Crewman Casey Boynton won the fishermen's heat with a record time of 20 seconds from removal of the suit from its stowage bag to fully zipped up.Other fishermen competing to win a new top of the line Ocean CommanderImmersion Suit donated by Mustang Survival, included skippers Glenn Budden, Paul Bevandick and Stuart MacDonald who all recorded times well under the recommended standard 1 minute. Glenn and Paul are also Fish Safe Education Facilitators and advocates for safety on board.

The Fish Safe booth also featured the cold water tank where participantswere able to test the effects of cold water on the body by dipping theirhand into a tank and testing their dexterity after only 30 seconds. A testyour knowledge quiz was required to win prizes at the booth while providingan education on both the local sardine fishery and cold water immersion. Fish Safe partners WorkSafeBC, Quinte Marine, Bronco Boys Fishing Ltd. and Mustang Survival were on hand to assist with the days activities andMustang donated the Ocean Commander Immersion Suit as a first prize to thefastest fisherman.

The public was then invited to challenge the best time set by fishermen to win Fish Safe jacket and fleece. Tony Kollmuss, resident of Steveston wonthe fastest time for the public with a time of 33 seconds.

Gina Johansen
Fishing Industry Safety Coordinator
FISH SAFE

Phone: 604-261-9700

FAX: 604-275-7140

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.fishsafebc.com