By Carl Shier
The Royal Life Saving Society
The May long weekend has traditionally been considered by many as the unofficial start of the Canadian boating season. The Canadian Safe Boating Council has been promoting safe boating practices since 1992 and the Lifesaving Society is proud to be their partner in reminding boaters of a few key practices which need to be followed when heading out on the water.
Wearing a lifejacket should not have to be legislated into existence. It should be a best practice whenever the boat leaves shore or is in motion. Evidence proves lifejackets (PFD’s) save lives and with the wide array available, there is a one that matches your boat, style or activity.
Don’t drink and boat. It’s an illegal and foolish behavior whether behind the wheel of your vehicle or driving a boat. Penalties are predominantly the same so don’t cruise with booze!
Take a boating course. On-line or classroom sessions are readily available everywhere. Simply put – its’ the law and it has been for nearly twenty years.
Be prepared; both you and your boat. Know where you’re going, trip plan and keep your boat properly serviced. Help can be hard to find in that remote bay or out in open water. It gives real meaning to an old phrase “up the creek without a paddle”. A little effort now pays dividends.
Be knowledgeable of the risks of cold water immersion. Just because the air temperature reaches 20C doesn’t mean the water is warm. Springtime often sees water temperature at 5C and falling in means you will experience a case of cold water shock. (Now see Point #1). While May 16-22, 2015 is North American Safe Boating Awareness Week, it isn’t just that one week that we need to think about boating safely. Our lives and those who we boat with depend on it. A CSBC survey found that 45% of all Canadians spend some part of their year out on the water enjoying this great recreation.
For more ideas on how to make every trip a round trip go to www.smartboater.ca and for all other Water Smart® ideas turn to the Lifesaving Society at www.lifesaving.ca.
