With the arrival of July, you are likely planning to spend more time outdoors. In previous blogs, we have spoken about the importance of swimming safety, camping best practices, and offered advice on summer storm preparedness. This week, we want to chat about boat safety.
Boating is an enjoyable activity during the summer, and prioritizing safety will ensure it stays that way.
So, today, let’s cover some of the ways in which you can be a responsible boat owner and operator this summer.
Proof of boating competency
As outlined by the Government of Alberta, boaters must have proof of competency. This is achieved by passing a boating safety test taken at the end of a boating safety course. You can view this list of accredited course providers online, or call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 to request the list mailed to you. Courses are available online and in the classroom, allowing you to choose an option that works best for you.
Plan ahead
Safe boating is being prepared when heading out for a few hours on the water. It’s a smart idea to check the weather forecast to anticipate any inclement weather headed your way. You can also check current conditions using rivers.alberta.ca which provides valuable information about river height and flow rate.
It is also key to have essential items on your boat. These should include the following:
- Life jackets
- Proof of competency
- Throwable flotation items
- Fire extinguisher
- Nighttime distress signals
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Tool kit
- Personal items needed for the day
Wear life jackets
Life jackets or personal flotation devices can provide extra security for everyone on board. If you are participating in activities such as boating, kayaking, water skiing, or any water fun, you need to wear a life jacket. By law, you are required to have a life jacket on board for each person on a watercraft. Drowning related to recreational boating occurs when people don’t wear life jackets, making it an essential part of being a responsible boat owner and operator.
Drive sober
Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol as it can impact your judgment as well as reaction time. It can also have dangerous consequences or lead to expensive fines.
The most common contributing factors to recreational boating fatalities in Alberta are the failure to wear a life jacket, which is involved in approximately 80% of fatalities, and alcohol consumption, which is a factor in roughly 40% of cases. Both risks are preventable, and taking simple precautions, such as wearing a life jacket and avoiding alcohol while boating, can save lives.
DF Safety Boating Awareness Course
DF Safety offers an online Boating Awareness course, which can help ensure the safety of you and your passengers in addition to others out on the water.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Understand what you need to know about your boat
- Describe what safety materials and procedures are needed
- Know the responsibility of every boater
- Identify hazards associated with fueling, operating, and navigating
- Identify risks and understand what to do in case of an emergency
You can also access Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide, which offers further information and details you need to operate a boat this summer.
Spending a beautiful summer day on the water is a fantastic way to spend your time and create lasting memories with family and friends. To ensure everyone makes it home safely, be a responsible boat owner and comply with the expectations and laws that are in place.