In Canada, summer means cottage country and all the fun activities that go with it – boating, canoeing and my personal favourite, sea-dooing!
But safety should always come first – each year, 125 Canadians are killed and another 6,000 are injured in boating accidents. Having a boat license is just as important as having a driver’s license – just do it.
BOATsmart! is Canada’s leader in boating safety the country’s largest Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) provider. To help keep people safe on the water, BOATsmart! offers these five simple tips for safe boating:
If you’re operating a motorized vessel, you need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Test your knowledge, learn boating safety skills and take the official Transport Canada Accredited exam at BoatSmartExam.com. Your passengers will be at ease knowing you are qualified and have a boating license.
2. Wear a Life Jacket
It’s simple – wear a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Eighty nine percent of people who drown while boating are not wearing a life jacket. Having them on board is not enough; Lifejackets don’t work unless you wear them! So be sure that everyone on board is wearing an approved PFD before heading out on the water.
3. Don’t Drink and Boat
Alcohol and boating don’t mix. The effects of alcohol are up to four times greater on the water due of the motion of the craft, the wind, waves and hot summer sun. Stay hydrated by drinking water only – leave the alcohol on the shore.
4. Be Prepared Before Boating
Before you head out on the water, make sure your boat, safety equipment and passengers are prepared. Check your local weather before heading out and leave extra gas in the tank for a safe trip home. Invest in insurance protection – recreational boat insurance is available at www.BoatSmartAssure.com.
5. Take a Refresher
Even if you’re an experienced boater with a boating license, refresh your memory with a BOATsmart! course. From emergency preparedness to right-of-way rules, the novice boater will learn everything needed to boat with confidence. If you already have your boating license but need a quick refresher, be sure to download the BOATsmart! CONNECT APP complete with Free Animated Refresher Lessons for iPhone and Android.
Before the long weekend, get your BOATsmart! Operator card. All operators of motorized vessels require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Test your knowledge, learn boating safety skills and take the official Transport Canada Accredited exam at BOATsmart!
Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by BOATsmart! All opinions are my own.