Boating season is in full swing. Here's what you need to know to be COVID-19 safe (7 photos)

The city recently opened Bellevue Marina in accordance with plans set out by the province.

In keeping with social distancing guidelines, officials decided best practice was to leave one launch closed.

After three months of isolation and the nice weather upon us, everyone is anxious to be out on the water. This means with one launch open at times it can be very busy.

SooToday reached out to the city's Community Services department to discuss expectations for anyone who wishes to access the boat launch or the marina services and safe guidelines for ease and efficiency of it's use.

This is what Rick Borean, the supervisor of Community Services, would like you to know about restrictions currently in place:

"At present we have implemented best practices to ensure both staff and customer safety.

Staff is sanitizing the daily launch dispenser frequently or we are encouraging customers to use the Passport App, for complete contactless payment and also encouraging frequent boaters to purchase a Seasonal Launch Pass.

We ask that customers pay for services from the service window on the south side of the Fuel Kiosk next to the fuel tanks as only staff is permitted inside the building.

Payment terminals are sanitized before each use and staff are sanitizing frequently.

We also ask that if boaters are coming to the dock for fuel or a pump out to please remove their own fill caps and notify the attendants on duty where their fill pipe or pump out pipe is located.

As per normal operations as set out by TSSA all boaters must to be off the boat while fueling is taking place, only the marina attendant can pump fuel, and upon completion, if available, the blower of the vessel needs to be run for at least 5 minutes to vacate any vapours that could accumulate."

The city provided general information on marina use during COVID-19 restrictions and we've broken it down into a Q&A (with a few edits):

Q - How do you pay to launch your boat?

A - Seasonal Launch Passes are available at the Fuel Kiosk during regular hours and are $66.05 including HST for the season. Daily Launch $7 including HST and is available through the Passport App using zone 3759, the launch dispenser, or at the fuel kiosk as well.

Q - How can I get in touch with someone to help me dock or fuel up my vessel?

A - If docking assistance is required at the fuel dock or any other dock, please hail Bellevue Marina on VHF Channel 68 ahead of time or call (705) 759-2838 to arrange a time for fueling.

Q - What is open right now?

A - Bellevue Marina is staffed and open daily from June 30; Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Then, as of July 1; Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fuel, ice, seasonal and daily launch passes and pump outs are available.

Q - What protocols are in place for washrooms?

A - We have increased facility cleaning and ask that should the restroom be used to notify staff for cleaning after use.

Q - Can I fish in the marina?

A - Fishing is not permitted within the marina basin from May 31 to Oct. 31.

Q - What if I want to rent a slip?

A - More information on that can be found on the city's website.

Q - What else do I need to know about boat launch etiquette?

A - If a vessel is waiting to come out of the water, please allow time for the boater to retrieve vehicle and trailer for loading. Security is assisting in traffic control on weekends during peak times.

1. Boat with members of your family or your max 10 social circle, they can provide reversing assistance at the ramp.
2. Prior to beginning launch, have all straps/tie downs removed.
3. Launch your vessel and have your spotter tie off the vessel allowing for parking of vehicle and trailer.
4. Try to be as efficient as possible to help streamline wait time and maximize time out on the water.

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