Nautical safety week

Sûreté du Québec makes suggestions for safe boating practice

To mark Water Safety Week, which takes place from May 18 to 24, police officers from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) are reminding boaters that they will be present on local bodies of water to ensure boater safety during the summer. Police officers will work closely with their partners to enforce various regulations and laws.

Here are some safety tips to safely return to your destination.

Don’t drink and drive your boat: Although it is not forbidden in Quebec to consume alcohol on board a boat, even if it is a motor boat, boaters who consume alcohol considerably increase the risk of death or injuries, in addition

to being subject to Criminal Code penalties.

For their safety, boaters are therefore advised to avoid any alcohol consumption on board a boat because certain factors such as the sun, the wind, and the movements of a boat on the waves can intensify the disorienting effects of alcohol.

Navigate at a safe speed:

It is essential to navigate at a safe speed to avoid any accidents. Use the factors below to determine the safe speed:

• The ability to see in front of you - reduced speed is the only safe speed in fog, haze, rain and dark conditions; • Wind, water and currents;

• The speed at which your boat can change direction;

• The number and types of buildings or structures near your boat;

• The presence of risks to navigation, such as rocks and stumps.

Be aware of your environment:

At all times, boaters are advised to be forward looking, vigilant and attentive when navigating the water. Here are some safety tips:

• Anticipate the poor decisions of other boaters;

• Keep a reasonable distance from other boats;

• Be alert to the sound signals of other boaters;

• Maneuver properly and quickly when a problematic situation occurs.

Plan your trips in advance:

• Have the mandatory equipment on board your boat and check its condition before your departure;

• Wear a PFD that is in good condition and of adequate size at all times;

• Have a means of communication on board (phone, maritime radio, etc.);

• Plan your itinerary and check the weather before you leave;

• Have a map of local bodies of water with you;

• Inform a person of your route plan prior to leaving (itinerary, details of the boat and persons on board, etc.);

• Take the necessary steps to prevent dehydration, heat stroke and hypothermia.