BRING THE ESSENTIALS
Being prepared also means having the right gear. Use a Pre-Departure Checklist to ensure you have the right equipment with you before you go out on the water.
TRIP PLAN
Always make a plan and leave it with a responsible person before you go. If no one knows you are gone, no one will be looking for you.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Being informed is just as important as being prepared. Knowing the risks and open water hazards involved with the activities you take part in may help prevent an incident from occuring.
GET PROPERLY TRAINed
Obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) by taking an accredited boat operator training course.
Boat sober
Every year around 50% of those who die while boating discover too late that even one alcoholic drink can affect balance, slow reaction time and impair ability to think clearly. Marijuana similarly inhibits your abilities.
Wait until you are off the water before consuming alcohol or lighting a joint.
Don’t allow a person who has consumed alcohol or smoked a joint to operate a boat.
Provide non-alcoholic beverages for boat operators and passengers. Non-alcoholic drinks ensure everyone is alert in case of emergency.
Wear approved lifejackets or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).
Remember, alcohol is a factor in half of all boating fatalities.