Floatplanes landing?

[grrowler]

Do floatplanes have the same rules regarding manouvering to land as land planes?
For example, are they required to be established on finals as per CAR166?

Just curious as I've been noticing them in this area coming in very low over a popular recreation/ tourist area, then turning quite steeply out over the water at about 50ft to land. While it looks pretty "cool", surely its not legit or necessary.

Anyone shed any light on this for me?

[jib]

Grrowler,
Float pilots are able to apply for an exemption to 166 and most hold low flying ratings.
Reasons for the turns can be varied, but normally swell, obstacle position (including yachts, sand bars and all the other marine traffic) and wind are the defining factors in touchdown position.
Most don’t do it to be “cool” as low altitude low energy manoeuvres shorten your options quiet a lot. A new float pilot gets a lot of practise in going around as the runway keeps changing.
Cheers,
jib