Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC - SKGABC

How well do you know your bears? 🐻

This infographic breaks down some of the key differences between BC’s two bear species: black bears and grizzly bears. From shoulder humps to ear shape, there are a few key features that can help you identify them.

Learn more about BC wildlife at wildsafebc.com/species

Thinking about flying a drone near a wildfire to get a better look? Don’t.

All wildfires are automatically considered flight restricted areas under federal aviation regulations. That means within five nautical miles of a wildfire and up to 3,000 feet above ground level only aircraft involved in wildfire response are permitted to fly.

This includes drones of any size.

When drones are spotted near a wildfire, firefighting aircraft will be forced to shut down until the airspace is safe again. This will delay wildfire suppression and impact responder safety.

Low-flying airtankers and helicopters operate in dangerous conditions and often at high speeds. A collision between a drone and a firefighting aircraft could have deadly consequences.

There is zero tolerance for flying drones near active wildfires.

Operating a drone near a wildfire can result in fines up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to 18 months. Intentionally interfering with wildfire suppression efforts can also lead to penalties under the Wildfire Act, including fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment.

If you’re in the sky, we can’t fly.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, paddling or exploring BC’s backcountry this spring, this is a great opportunity to learn tips for staying safe outdoors.

Tune in on May 25 at 7 PM PST to hear from WildSafeBC's Kathy Murray as part of the BC AdventureSmart Webinar Series.

Register here: https://bcsara.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aoWpTnIESpCpsY6m509SfA #/registration

BC AdventureSmart

More Whale-Safe boaters needed!
Whether you motor, sail, paddle, are a passenger, or don’t boat at all — YOU can help by taking the online course and helping educate others.

www.WhaleSafeBoating.org

As an added incentive, complete the course by the end of May to be entered to win one of 20 free Whale Warning Flags. After May, we’ll also hold a monthly draw for one free flag, with everyone who completes the course that month automatically entered.

On behalf of the Advisory Committee that guided this course, our respect and gratitude to the 2,212 people who have registered to date.

______________

By taking the Whale-Safe Boating course, you can help educate others about safe, legal, and responsible practices, and how to contribute to marine mammal conservation - from motorized and unmotorized vessel operation to social media practices.
___________

Why were we the ones to develop this course?

We realized that a comprehensive course addressing BOTH boater and marine mammal safety was unlikely to come from government because agencies are siloed in their mandates.

Transport Canada’s mandate is largely about boater safety. Marine mammal conservation falls under the mandate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is managed on a species-by-species basis (whereby funding, research, and education often focus on one species at a time).

The Whale-Safe Boating course is government-supported, and development involved an Advisory Committee of experts in boating, paddling, education, marine mammals, and regulatory policy.

Please take it and help shape a culture of .
___________

Development of the Whale-Safe Boating Course included expertise from:
-- Transport Canada
-- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
-- Parks Canada
-- Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC - SKGABC
-- Cetus Research & Conservation Society
-- Boating BC Association
-- CanBoat / NautiSavoir
-- Ocean Wise
-- Georgia Strait Alliance
___________



photo by Lily Campbell.

Leadership on the water is about more than just paddling.

Great kayak leaders inspire confidence, make thoughtful decisions, support their team, and help create safe and meaningful experiences for everyone on the journey. 🌊

From reading conditions and planning routes to encouraging others and staying steady under pressure, leadership skills are built one day on the water at a time.

Here’s to the guides, mentors, instructors, and aspiring leaders who continue to learn, grow, and share their passion for paddling. 🚣‍♀️💙

If you notice signs of a wildfire or see someone behaving irresponsibly with fire, you can report this to the BC Wildfire Service. If you are unable to call *5555, you can submit an electronic report of fire through the BC Wildfire Service App. Just tap the report feature, fill in the details and upload photos if you can.

Our mobile app is free to download on both Apple and Android devices.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bc-wildfire-service/id1477675008
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=bc%20wildfire%20service&c=apps

Current and forecast conditions have shifted since the Coastal Fire Centre initially implemented the Category 1 campfire prohibition earlier this May, resulting in cooler temperatures, improved humidity values and an overall reduction in wildfire hazard throughout the region. Because of this, Category 1 campfires will be once again permitted under the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction as of Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon).

Although the fire risk has decreased for the region, human-caused wildfires are still possible and entirely preventable. Please take the time to learn how to enjoy a campfire safely: gov.bc.ca/saferburning

Category 2 and 3 open burning and select activities and equipment remain prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre. For full details, please refer to the following information bulletin: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/campfires-permitted-across-coastal-fire-centre-due-to-decreased-fire-risk/

*UPDATE* this event has now been merged with last week's postponed event 'Beer, Ocean, & Art', and will include a cash bar sponsored by Persephone.

Next up in our series of event in Victoria this spring:
Orcas and Oceans: Stories from the Salish Sea

🐋 Thursday, May 28 | 5:30 PM Gage Gallery

An inspiring evening to kick off Ocean Week featuring:
📖 A live reading from Tanya Bub’s book on orcas
🎨 Surrounded by her incredible artwork
🎥 A screening of the short film Shared Waters, Shared Crisis

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/beer-ocean-and-art-stories-from-the-salish-sea-tickets-1988569025486?aff=oddtdtcreator

The evening is part of Tanya Bub's exhibit 'Wild Art for the big of Heart' with sculptures inspired by 10 local charities.

This event is free or by donation and open to everyone — we’d love to see you there. 💙 See less