Safe boating tips as the summer approaches

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It may be grey outside, but it’s a good time to get the boat in the water to get ready to enjoy the may long weekend. But before you do, safe boating expert Mike Dean wants to make sure you don’t get too excited.

“Number one thing we want to remind people, you know don’t cruise and booze…leave the beer on the pier as they say and just go out and enjoy the water.” There were 20 boating related deaths last summer and nearly half of those were alcohol related. It’s also good to keep a clear head as you prep. There are a few essentials that you need in order to make sure everyone is safe. Including a fire extinguisher, some signalling devices, and an air horn and a whistle in order to make sure someone can hear you if you are lost.

Once you get out on the water, it’s important to remember that even though the air is warming up, the water is still very cold. “If you happen to fall overboard, you could have as little as 10 minutes to self rescue before your muscles cramp up and you’re unable to perform any motor skills.” And you have one minute to get your breathing under control. This is where having a life jacket on makes the difference. Of the 20 people who died boating last year, 17 weren’t wearing a life jacket.

If you’re looking to drive the boat, it’s not as simple as just taking the wheel. You need a pleasure craft operator card if you want to get behind the wheel of a boat in Ontario or anywhere else in Canada. If you’re caught this weekend driving without one of these it’s a $250 dollar fine.

The course and test can be taken online through boaterexam.com and other boat safety sites. Boaters will learn basic safety skills and the card is good for life.