No. H 195/08
For release - August 28, 2008
OTTAWA - As thousands of Canadians head out onto the water this Labour Day long weekend to participate in some form of recreational boating, Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety has the following tips to help boaters stay safe on the water:
Wear a Lifejacket: In 85% of boating fatalities the victim was not wearing a lifejacket. Lifejackets have come a long way in recent years – no more bulky, orange life preservers. Today's lifejackets are comfortable, slim-fitting and stylish.
Be Prepared: Anything can happen on the water and there might not be anyone around to bail you out. Inspect all your equipment before departure; check the weather forecast; leave a trip plan with a responsible person; carry your marine charts; and ensure you have the minimum gear required for your vessel size. Most boats need a floating heaving line, flares and/or a flashlight, a manual bilge pump or bailer, navigation lights, paddles, an anchor, a fire extinguisher, a whistle or horn and lifejackets.
Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card: Nine years ago, a law was passed in Canada requiring operators of powered recreational boats to have a basic level of boating knowledge. By September 2009, all boat operators will need to have their proof of competency (it is already required for boat operators born after April 1, 1983 and for anyone who operates a vessel less than 4 metres in length). The best way to get your proof of competency is to take a safe boating course. Courses are offered by accredited course providers. For a list of course providers, please visit www.boatingsafety.gc.ca. Note: Northwest Territories and Nunavut are exempt from the Pleasure Craft Operator Card requirements.
Don't cruise with booze: When you drink and boat you are not just a danger to yourself. Operators are responsible for the safety of their guests and should consider other users of the waterway. In addition to being punishable under the Criminal Code, mixing alcohol and boating is far more dangerous than you may realize. Fatigue, sun, wind and the motion of the boat dull your senses. Alcohol intensifies these effects, leaving you with poorer fine motor skills and impaired judgment.
Following these simple safety measures will ensure that the thousands of Canadians who enjoy boating are well-equipped for a safe day on the water.
For more information on boating safety, how to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card and how to protect the marine environment, check out the new Office of Boating Safety's website at www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/menu.htm.
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