Does your best-friend like boating too? Even if your dog loves swimming, a lifejacket with a handle will help you lift him or her from the water and back into the boat should they fall or jump overboard.
6 Tips for Safe Boating
Huestis Insurance Group • Jun 01, 2022
6 Tips for Safe Boating
Whether you canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or motoring, we've got you covered with these tips for a safe boating season.
1. Pack Safety Equipment
When you leave the shore, Transport Canada requires you to have the following equipment onboard:
- A lifejacket or PDF (personal flotation device) for each person on board
- A buoyant heaving line (15m in length)
- A manual propelling device (paddles) or anchor with at least 15 meters of rope
- A bailer or handpump
- Navigation lights if the watercraft is used between sunset and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility.
- A class 5BC fire extinguisher for any craft equipped with an inboard motor, fixed fuel tank, and/or any fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigeration units
- A waterproof flashlight or 3 Canadian approved flares*
- A vessel license if your craft is outfitted, with any motor of 10hp (7.5 kW ) or more.*
Source: Transport Canada. The last two items (*) are not mandatory if your craft is not equipped with a motor.
2. Always wear a properly fitted Lifejacket/PFD
Always wear an approved lifejacket or PFD - even if you are a strong swimmer. Boating accidents can happen suddenly - and panic or shock can inhibit your ability to react. Your lifejacket should be approved by Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and/or the Canada Coast Guard. Don’t forget to check your lifejacket for wear, especially rips and tears.
3. Check the Weather Forecast
Before heading out on any excursion, check the local weather, tide, and wind forecast. Make your plans according to the forecast and always err on the side of caution - weather can change quickly.
4. Tell someone your plan
Develop a trip plan and inform someone on shore - this should include where you're going, how long you'll be, and the latest you plan to return back to shore. Check in with this person upon arrival home.
5. Don't drink and drive
The likelihood of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved. Just like driving under the influence, boating under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offense. If you are planning to consume alcohol on your boat, then in most provinces you must be anchored and have permanent sleeping, kitchen and toilet facilities on board.
6. Get the right protection
Did you know that your home or tenant's insurance policy may offer some coverage for your boat? However, boats like kayaks and canoes are a common target for theft, and your policy deductible (the amount you are responsible to pay when you make an insurance claim) is typically $1000 or more. Talk to us today to make sure that you're protected with the best insurance to fit your needs. From kayaks to yachts, we will find you the right insurance at the right price.
Do you have a safe boating tip? Leave it in the comments below!
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