Police promise boat-safety blitz during English Bay fireworks

Boaters planning to head out on the water for the Celebration of Light fireworks shows on English Bay had better make sure they're properly equipped.

From West Vancouver to New Westminster, local police forces are planning a boat-launch blitz at marinas around the Metro Vancouver waterfront.

Vancouver police said Tuesday morning that boats will be checked and that anyone without the required safety equipment, including life-jackets and flares, will not be allowed out on the water.

Police are also planning a heavy presence on land, with the aim of cracking down on illegal consumption of alcohol and rowdy behaviour.

The annual Celebration of Light fireworks shows are scheduled for July 23, 26, 30, and Aug. 2, at 10 p.m. each night.

Teams from Canada, the U.S. and China are putting on shows this year, with the final show featuring a combination of all three teams.

The hugely popular annual summer event began in 1990 as the Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire, one of several competitions held around the world, including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

In 2000 the Canadian government restricted tobacco advertising and Benson & Hedges pulled its funding from the million-dollar event.

In 2001 new sponsors including HSBC Bank Canada, BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver took over the event and renamed it the Celebration of Light.