The Annual Sardine Fest in Richmond, BC was the backdrop for the 1st Fish Safe Immersion Suit Race put on by Fish Safe BC. With an audience of over 100 eagerly waiting for the competition to begin, Fish Safe Coordinator, Gina Johansen explained what 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 or that 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. 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 Commander Immersion 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 advocate for safety on board.