Canadian Yachting April 2023 - 38

SAFE BOATING AWARENESS WEEK,
MAY 15-22
Since 1995, Safe Boating Awareness Week has been the
mainstay of boating safety for more than 16 million people
who recreate on Canadian waters.
Boating is not quite into full gear yet, with some areas of
the country open and some soon to open. Because many are
getting onto the water in time for Safe Boating Awareness
Week, we want to remind you of not just five key messages
for boating safely - we will also want you to keep in mind
recommendations related to physical distancing, and who
should be and not be on your boat.
A key issue as the boating season begins is you can expect
fewer boaters on the water, so there will be less chance of
having help close at hand if you run into trouble. As well,
if you do get into trouble, you will put extra stress onto
rescue resources.
The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) Safe Boating
Awareness Week messages for this season are as follows:
Wear Your Lifejacket: More than 80 percent of Canadians
who drowned while boating were not wearing their lifejacket
or not wearing it properly. There are so many choices for
lifejackets/personal floatation devices on the market now.
It is easy to pick one that suits your 'boating style' and is
one that you are comfortable wearing at all times you are
on the water.
Boat Sober - Whether it's prescription drugs, alcohol or
cannabis, the use of intoxicants is both irresponsible and
illegal. In some provinces, being convicted of impaired operation
will also affect your automobile licence.
Be Prepared - You and Your Boat: Make sure you and
38 CANADIAN YACHTING | APRIL 2023
your boat are up to your planned on-water activities. That
means you are knowledgeable about your upcoming trip,
your boat is properly equipped with the required equipment,
the weather is suitable for your voyage, you have
sufficient fuel, and you have filed a trip plan. Remember,
this is not all about you. It's important to keep in mind that
by staying out of trouble you will not be putting pressure
on rescue resources.
Take A Boating Course - If you are operating a powered
recreational vessel, you should have your Pleasure Craft Operator
Card or some other proof of competency. But that is
just as a start, so consider taking some advanced courses. If
your boating preference tends towards paddle, this is the
perfect time to enrol in some on-water training.
Be Aware Of Cold Water Risks - Cold water can severely
impact your ability to swim or even just stay afloat. Even
the best swimmers will feel the effects of a sudden cold
water immersion. No matter your swimming ability, your
best chance of surviving an accidental cold-water immersion
is to wear your lifejacket
Boating is a favourite pastime for many Canadians. It can
reduce the stress of social isolation and it's a great family
activity. By its very nature, boating provides an ideal way
to get out and enjoy the outdoors while still maintaining
social distancing practices.
Be sure to participate in events taking place in your area
during Safe Boating Awareness Week and, in turn, make
your boating experience a better one.
Stay safe. Stay separated. Have fun. ■
Canadian Yachting April 2023

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