Boating Safety

Boating Safety
7 Tips to Protect Yourself Out on the Water

Boating accidents can and do happen, resulting in injuries and fatalities every season. Thankfully, most accidents are preventable. Whether you have a little or a lot of boating experience, making sure that you are familiar with safe boating practices is always a good idea. Here are seven top tips to keep in mind.

1. Check the weather before you go

Weather conditions have a significant impact on how safe it will be on the water. Before heading out, always check the forecast. If thunderstorms are expected, then consider waiting until later for departure or leaving your trip for another day. Even if the forecast is clear, summer thunderstorms can strike unexpectedly. It is best to turn back if you notice darkening skies and rougher waters.

2. Tell someone your trip plan

It might seem tempting to hop on your boat and just go where the wind and the water take you, but it is far more safe and practical to decide where you are going and to tell someone about it. This way, if you do run into trouble and don’t return at the expected time, someone will know where to look for you.

3. Inspect your boat before departure

Many boaters run into problems simply because they set off without taking a moment to make sure they have everything they need and that the boat is in good working condition. Create a pre-departure checklist for your specific vessel to ensure that all necessary safety equipment is on board, that you have enough fuel, and that your motor is operating properly.

4. Always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device

When a boating accident occurs, a life jacket can keep you from drowning. Make sure that each passenger aboard your boat is wearing an appropriately sized, Canadian-approved personal flotation device at all times. Simply having the life jackets on board isn’t enough, as there may not be time to find and put them on in the event of an accident.

5. Load your boat properly

When loading a boat with passengers and equipment, it is important that you do not exceed the boat’s weight capacity. An overloaded boat will be unstable and dangerous. You should also take care to distribute weight evenly and to properly secure any equipment and supplies to keep them from shifting.

6. Watch your speed

When boating, there are times you may have to suddenly stop or turn in order to avoid a collision, so it is important to stay aware of your speed. Make sure you follow all shoreline speed restrictions and use your best judgement to adjust your speed according to factors such as wind and weather conditions, boating traffic, and hazards like tree stumps and rocks.

7. Don’t drink and drive a boat

Lastly, but perhaps the most important rule of all, never drive a boat under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is, unfortunately, an all-too-common factor in recreational boating fatalities, and boating under the influence is a criminal offence. Save the drinks for when you are safely on dry land and don’t plan to take the boat out again.

You have a lot of control over how well your boating experience will go each time you venture out on the water. Take the right precautions to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

 

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