If You Think This Is The Way To Sail, You've Gotta Check Out These Awesome Boating Tips

In a CTV News report on June 28, 2014, boating had claimed double the lives of last year: eleven boating deaths were reported, nine of which were a result of passengers being without lifejackets, and alcohol was involved in at least two of the cases. The sad thing is that most of the deaths could have been prevented. The OPP urge boaters to get educated about all safety aspects of boating, get a boating license, and use common sense. 

But Boatsmart's statistics show that 77 percent of boaters do not have licenses, and 79 percent of boaters killed in accidents between 1996 and 2010 were not wearing lifejackets. There is a $250 fine in Ontario for not having a boating license, and yet it only costs $50 for an individual to obtain one through Boatsmart. 

To help keep boating safety top of mind, here are some tips from the Red Cross that you can take with you on your next sail in, through, and around the great lakes:

Along with your boating license, you must have, by law, the following items at the bare minimum:

• Canadian approved floatation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board
• Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length
• Watertight flashlight or Canadian approved flares--Type A, B or C
• Sound-signal device
• Manual propelling device (i.e., a paddle) or an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, chain, or cable
• Bailer or manual water pump
• Class 5 BC fire extinguisher

In addition to the list of minimal items above, the Red Cross prescribe the following:

• Marine First Aid Kit
• Drinking Water
• Sun-Screen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Dry Clothing (i.e. long sleeved shirt)
• Snacks
• Waterproof Matches
• Knife

A big safety item is to refrain from alcohol consumption while boating

The facts are:

• 37% of boaters in Canada admit to consuming alcohol every time they boat
• 66% report they drink alcohol sometimes when they boat
• 40% of recreational boating fatalities cite alcohol as a factor
• Drinking and boating is just as illegal as drinking and driving

The key is to be responsible while boating

• Wait until you're off the water before consuming alcohol--and have a designated driver there to take you home
• Don't allow a person who has consumed alcohol to operate a boat
• Provide non-alcoholic beverages for boat operators and passengers
• Where lifejackets or Personal Floatation Devices--for the whole trip, every trip

Weather is another big factor in the safety of your boating trip

• Be aware of the weather and water conditions and any other hazards that may affect your trip. Plan ahead
• Run through a pre-departure checklist to make sure you have everything
• Check the Weather Network, or Environment Canada for a complete update on weather conditions. If you have a 3/4G network, and you think the weather looks precarious while you're out on the boat, check the weather on your smart phone to stay updated.