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Boat Safety

The Canadian Red Cross states that:

Every boat operator must have

- a operators card,

- an approved life jacket that is suitable and up to date for every passenger,

- buoyant heaving rope of at least 15m long,

- flashlight,

- whistle or other sound-making device, - manual propelling device (paddle), bailing bucket,

- and a class 5 BC fire extinguisher. 

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-They recommend that every vessel has a first aid kit, drinking water, sunscreen and other sun protective gear such as UV protective sun shirts, hats, sunglasses, snacks, emergency knife, and waterproof matches. 

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-EVERY PASSENGER on a boat or other watercraft should be free of any substances such as alcohol or drugs. 

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Responsibility is a huge part of boating safety, as you are responsible for your own safety, as well as that of others. By knowing the requirements for safe boating, being aware of your own sobriety, and making informed, conscious decisions, you are lowering the risks of potentially fatal accidents.

 

The Canadian Lifesaving Society states that:

-They strongly recommend that anybody who is going to be around water to learn how to swim, even just to a SWIM TO SURVIVE standard.

  • SWIM TO SURVIVE STANDARD DEFINES BEING ABLE TO PERFORM THE MINIMAL SKILLS TO STAY AFLOAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

 

Passengers should remain seated at all times

 

SOURCES:

Boating Safety - Canadian Red Cross. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/swimming-and-water-safety-tips-and-resources/swimming-boating-and-water-safety-tips/boating-safety

Boating Regulations and Safety Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2020, from http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety/boating-and-lifejackets/boating-regulations-and-safety-tips.aspx

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Don't mix ALCOHOL and BOATING.  

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Did you know? 

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  • 37% of boaters admit to consuming alcohol consistently prior to or while boating

  • 66% of boaters admit to consuming alcohol frequently prior to or while boating

BOATING SAFETY TIPS

  • NEVER consume alcohol or drugs prior to or while boating, as operating a moving vessel while under the influence impairs judgement, vision, and motor functions, which could lead to a very dangerous situation. 

  • No matter how long you plan to be gone for, you should always carry a first aid kit, water, towing rope, paddles, life jackets, bailing bucket, whistle, and UV protective gear such as on sunglasses and sunscreen on board. 

  • Tell someone WHERE, HOW LONG, WHAT TIME YOU PLAN TO BE BACK, before you leave

  • You MUST wear a life jacket when your are on your boat. Most boating deaths are a result of not wearing life jackets. Always make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone on your boat. 

  • Always make sure you have your license. Even if you plan on going for 10 minutes take your license because you never know when you will need it. 

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