Canadian Power Squadrons has partnered with Transport Canada and CIL Dealers on a project on education and awareness of safety equipment, the care and maintenance of that equipment and how to safely and effectively use and dispose of flares.

If your flares have a manufacture date of 2012 or earlier they have or will expire this year. Flares are approved for four years from the date of manufacture. If they have expired or will expire during this boating season, you must replace them... it's the law!

However, disposing of expired flares has been an ongoing dilemma for boaters across the country. You can't light them, throw them in the water or in your household garbage to dispose of them. To help boaters dispose of expired flares in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, CPS-ECP and selected CIL Dealers are hosting Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Days where boaters will have an opportunity to learn about required safety equipment and can bring outdated flares to be properly disposed of, free of charge.

Various locations across Canada will host these events this summer. Local dates include June 4 at Fogh Marine in Toronto and June 10/11 at The Chandlery in Ottawa. Click here for full list of dates and locations, and more detailed information.

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