Safe Boating

Boating can be a fun, relaxing way to socialize with friends and enjoy the summer. To make sure that everyone has an enjoyable experience, there are certain things you need to do to be safe. Wear a PFD (personal flotation device) and boat sober. Check out the Operation Lookout Marine Brochure and Poster.

Below you will find information on being safe, boating sober and boating safety regulations and operator cards.

Boating today? 
Make it a return trip.

Be Safe

The number one way to stay safe while boating is to wear a PFD at all times. Keep reading to learn more about other requirements and recommendations for staying safe.

• Know the water conditions before launching your watercraft and always check local radio weather forecasts.
• Don't overload your watercraft. Check your owner's manual for load capacity.
• Ensure you have the proper safety equipment in your boat.
• Ensure someone knows where and when you plan to travel and what to do if you fail to return.
• Become an accredited pleasure craft operator. Power boaters in Canada are now required by law to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).

Wear your PFD!  According to the Red Cross:

• Each person in your watercraft must have a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) that:

• is the appropriate size (fit)
• is worn at all times
• is in good condition
• A brightly coloured PFD is a smart choice. Consider the need for visibility in the water.
• Look for the Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard approval label or hand tag.
• Wear a whistle on your PFD. In case of emergency, you can call for help.

More than 4 out of 5 people who drown each year were 
not wearing a PFD. Don't be one of them!

Boat Sober

Booze and Boating ... What You Need to Know
Impaired driving of a boat is Impaired Driving. New legislation applies to motorized and non-motorized vessels.
If you are convicted of impaired driving of a car, snowmobile, ATV or boat, you will have your driver’s license suspended.

Why is it that people who wouldn't dream of driving their car after drinking often don't show that same good sense when it comes to boating and alcohol? When the effects of alcohol are combined with the effects of sun, fatigue, wind and motion, boaters can experience reduced reaction time, decreased fine motor skills and impaired judgement. In fact, more than 40% of recreational boating fatalities in Canada are alcohol-related.


Alcohol and Boating: The Law

• It is illegal to drink alcohol on a pleasure boat when it is underway.
• You may only have open alcohol aboard a boat that is equipped as a residence (ie. sleeping area, permanent cooking facilities and a fixed toilet with pump out).
• Drinking and driving rules apply whether you are on the road or water.
• Consuming liquor in other than a licensed premise, residence or private place carries a substantial fine.
• Operating or having care and control over a boat underway with an open container of liquor carries a substantial fine.


Alcohol and Boating: The Facts

• Alcohol has greater negative effects when people:
  • have a low body weight
  • are in poor health
  • are tired
  • have not eaten any food
  • are on medication
  • experience stress
  • are exposed to warmer air temperatures
• Alcohol impairs your judgement, your balance and your coordination.
• Mildly dehydrated people will absorb alcohol more quickly into their system and will have a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level than non-dehydrated people.
• Boater Fatigue is a combination of sun, wind, noise, vibration and boat motion that can TRIPLE the effects of alcohol on boater.
• Hypothermia... Water as warm as 27oC (80oF) can have adverse effects on you if you are submerged for a long time.
  
  2003 OPP Statistics - Marine Vessel Fatalities

• 8 out of 10 people who died did not wear a PFD
• Almost 1 in 3 people who died consumed alcohol
• 9 out of 10 fatalities were male
• 3 in 4 people were over the age of 36 years
• operators and passengers were almost equally represented
• most fatalities occur:
  • in May, June and September
  • on weekends
  • between 12 noon - 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
• type of vessels operated: outboard motor (59%) and canoe (23%); vessel material: aluminum (55%) and fiberglass (32%)

Boating Safety Regulations and Operators Cards

Boating safety regulations were introduced across Canada in 1999 and apply to ALL RECREATIONAL VESSELS including canoes and personal watercraft. The links below will provide information for operators of pleasure crafts including locations for obtaining operator cards.

Office of Boating Safety Red Cross - On-Board Boating Safety Program