2021-May-22
Simple Safe Boating Essentials for Boaters and Paddlers
No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea to brush up on boating safety rules and practices. Below are a few simple tips and reminders that will help you have a fun and safe boating season.
DO wear a lifejacket!
In an emergency you probably won’t have time to put on a life jacket or even find one. The only safe life jacket is the one you are wearing.
- In the past 10 years over 80% of boating fatalities investigated by the OPP were not wearing a life jacket – last year it was 91%.
- Canoes and kayaks were among the top 3 vessel types involved in fatalities over the last 10 years, so paddlers need to gear up too.
DON’T take your boat out if you have consumed alcohol or drugs!
Alcohol, cannabis, and even prescription drugs can impair your ability to safely navigate your vessel or deal with an emergency.
- Roughly 40% of boating fatalities in the last 10 years involved alcohol or drugs.
- In Ontario a conviction for impaired operation of a vessel will impact your automobile license.
DO be wary of the dangers of cold-water immersion.
Boating off-season, from October until June, poses extra dangers as cold water can severely impact your ability to swim or even just stay afloat. Given that there are fewer people around on the water at this time you must be prepared and self-sufficient.
- The best chance of surviving an accidental cold-water immersion is to be wearing a lifejacket before you go into the water.
- 56% of 2020 OPP boating fatalities were during the cold water season.
- Additional cold water awareness tips can be found here.
DON’T take out you boat unless you and your boat are fully prepared.
Staying out of trouble means you won’t be putting pressure on rescue resources. Before you go:
- Check the weather.
- Notify someone of your plans.
- Make sure your boat is properly outfitted and everything is in working order.
- Make sure you have sufficient fuel. A good rule of thumb for your fuel supply is use 1/3 to get there and 1/3 to get back and save 1/3 in case you run into trouble.
Do take a safe boating course.
You need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or some other proof of competency to operate a powered vessel, which covers the basics, but that is just a start.
- Consider taking some advanced courses.
- Paddlers can also benefit from water training.
Do know the laws
Unintentionally inhibiting someone else’s enjoyment of the water can be stressful for everyone involved.
- Make sure you know and follow the laws. A refresher can be found here.
And finally, COVID is still with us. Respect the public health guidelines and physically distance at the marina or in the boat. If you can’t distance, wear a mask.
Remember too that the Georgian Bay experience is much more enjoyable for everyone when we are mindful of each other. Take a look at Georgian Bay for Everyone, GBA’s suggestions for respectful use of our treasured shared resource.
More great boating tips can be found here.