Some boating safety tips from Transport Canada
Boating is fun, but nearly 150 people die and many more get seriously hurt every year in boating incidents. Boating deaths and injuries can be avoided.
Inspect your boat
It is better to take a few minutes to make sure you are ready to boat safely before you leave than to risk problems when you are out on the water. More than half of all calls for help are from boaters in trouble because of motor problems, including many boats that are stranded because they ran out of fuel! Operating a boat that you know is not seaworthy is against the law. Your boat, its engine and all equipment must be kept in good working order. Whether you own, rent or are borrowing a boat, use a Pre-Departure Checklist to make sure you are ready before leaving. Make sure you explain safe operation to everyone on board before heading out. Tell your guests where the safety equipment is kept and how to use it. Make sure that at least one other person on board knows how to operate the boat in case something happens to you.
Monitor the weather
Weather and water conditions play a big role in your safety on the water. Before heading out, make sure you get the latest forecast for your area and that you understand what it means. You should also be aware of local factors (like topography) that may cause weather conditions to differ from the forecast. The best source for this information is people who know the area well. Summer thunderstorms can strike quickly and without warning so while you’re out, remember to keep your eye on the sky. If it starts to look dark and cloudy, and conditions are changing quickly, head for shore. Remember to check your up-to-date nautical charts in advance so that you’ll know where to seek shelter. Environment Canada provides marine forecasts in many ways. If you have a marine radio, you can get weather updates while you’re on the water. These forecasts provide information on wind speed and direction, weather, visibility and freezing spray (if applicable). Forecasts are issued several times a day. Some forecasts discuss current conditions while others discuss the
Make and file a sail plan
A sail plan includes your planned travel route and describes your boat. Sail plans are also called trip or float plans. No matter what you call them, you should file one before heading out — even if it is just for an hour or two. File your sail plan with someone you trust and tell them to contact a rescue coordination centre if you are late. If you are taking a long trip, you should file a daily position report (especially if your planned route has changed). Be sure to let people know when you have returned or safely arrived at your next stop. If you don’t, people may worry and launch a search, which can waste Search and Rescue resources.