Boat Safety Tips
With the Victoria Day long weekend only about a month away, Ontarian’s are planning their long weekend cottage and camping trips. And, if the weather permits, many will enjoy part of the weekend on a boat either fishing or enjoying the nice weather while catching up on their tan.
For many people, this will be their first time out on a boat. It will be a gratifying experience for most, but for some they could put themselves in a bad situation if they do not follow the proper boat safety tips.
The truth is that boat safety and best practices often depends on the type of boat you are on and the activity you are participating in. There are many boats in Ontario lakes and rivers. They include:
- Fishing boats
- Sail boats
- Power boats
- Paddle boats
- Yachts
- Skidoos
Each one of these boats or water devices has its own set of boat safety tips in Ontario. Be sure to familiarize yourself with safety requirements before boarding.
Just like with other vehicles, boat safety is a lot of common sense. Keep these tips in mind when you hit the water this year:
- Planning: Take some time to plan out your trip before you go. The less you leave to chance, the less likely something will go wrong.
- Wear protective gear: Make sure that you wear your lifejacket when necessary, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Drinking and boating: Always make sure that you have a designated driver for the boat. Just like when you are driving a car, the operator of the boat faces server consequences if caught operating the boat while under the influence.
- Get training: Take a course or read up on boat safety if you are unsure of the requirements.
- Check the boat before leaving: Always look the boat over and make sure everything is in fine working order before you depart.
- Be prepared for breakdown: Never assume nothing will go wrong. Be prepared and have the necessary tools and resources available to fix the boat if it breaks down.