Boat Smart

The arrival of the long weekend signals another summer of water sports. Whether it’s a family fishing trip or towing the kid’s water skiing we all need to take few minutes to ensure everyone’s safety.

You’ve heard about the need for a pleasure craft operator’s card but maybe you’re not sure exactly what it is. It’s not new anymore everyone who has a boat needs to have one. Let’s help you understand what the card is.

* Think of a pleasure craft operator’s card like a license to operate a powered water craft aka a boat.

* You’ll need to get some basic understanding through a manual, write an exam to prove you understood what you’ve read and then receive your card upon successful completion of the exam.

* Anyone born after April 1, 1983 needs a card before they can operate a powered craft of any size or horsepower this summer.

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* Anyone who operates a boat under 4 meters (13 feet) in length, regardless of their age, needs to have a pleasure craft operators card.

* People between the age of 12 and 16 years of age can operate a boat unsupervised if the engine size is not more than 40 horsepower.

* People 11 years of age and younger can operate a boat unsupervised if the engine size is no more than 10 horsepower.

* If you are 15 years and younger and have someone with you who is directly supervising, you who is 16 years of age and older then you can operate any size craft of any horsepower. But that person needs to have their pleasure craft operators card if you are under 16 years of age

* No under 16 years of age under any circumstances is permitted to operate a personal water craft even with a pleasure craft operator’s card.

More than 600 Canadians drown each year. 83% of those who drown are men and most between the ages of 15 and 44.

There are more boating-related drownings than any other type. More than 90% of all people who drown in boating incidents DID NOT WEAR an approved floatation device. Alcohol is a factor in many boating-related drownings. So, if you drink who will likely sink. Just like driving a vehicle we somehow have this crazy notion that it’s okay to drink and operate a boat. We always rationalize in our mind with excuses “I’m okay I only had a couple.” “Heck my boat will never tip, why should I wear a life jacket.” Checked the temperature of the lake water, bet you it is cold. How long would you survive in cold water? You have only minutes to take control and certainly not long without a life jacket.

Long before you and your passengers set out from shore make sure everyone is wearing an approved personal flotation device and/or life jacket. Don’t forget some other essential safety equipment like a paddle, bailing bucket, emergency horn, rope and more.

Knowing what to do in an emergency is as important as being prepared in case an emergency will happen. Be prepared! Taking a first aid course from us will help you be prepared for life’s emergencies. Taking a few simply safety tips like wearing the gear, reading instructions, dressing properly, will help to keep you safe. Heading to the lake this summer, do so safely! Make sure the trailer is properly secured and please do not drink and drive! Have a safe day!