June 10, 2011
Quebec City – Owing to substantial flooding, the Canadian Coast Guard is urging navigators and boaters to be doubly cautious when on the Richelieu River, particularly in the areas located between the St Ours Lock and Lake Champlain, as well as in Missisquoi Bay.
The high water levels in the areas affected by the flooding of the Richelieu River may have displaced navigation buoys. In the next few weeks, the Canadian Coast Guard will be checking on their condition and repositioning them, if necessary. Until then, it would be best to consider the buoys unreliable navigation aids.
Safe boating begins with preparation and consulting the latest available data. Before leaving, it is recommended that boaters:
- Stay out of unfamiliar areas unless they have studied the obstacles and obstructions.
- Remain vigilant and travel at speeds appropriate to the conditions, as debris can float at mid-water level, causing damage to boats in a high-speed impact.
- Bear in mind that higher water levels mean less clearance under electrical cables and bridges. Navigators of boats with high air draughts should leave a reasonable amount of room between the craft’s highest structure and overhead wires and bridges.
- Reduce craft speed to limit the impact of waves on riverside properties.
- Keep the latest nautical charts aboard and use them. To find out where to obtain nautical charts, visit www.charts.gc.ca.
- Update nautical charts by keep abreast of the information contained in the notices to shipping and notices to mariners available at www.marinfo.gc.ca.
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For more information:
Nathalie Letendre
Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec Region
nathalie.letendre@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
418-649-6297
NR-QR-11-18E
