Tips For Safe Summer Boating
With the weather warming up and the summer quickly approaching, it is important to remember these safety tips this summer when boating:
- Ensure all safety equipment is packed before you go out into the water. It is the law to include 1 lifejacket per person, even when on a canoe
- Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket/PFD and ensure everyone else on board is wearing one too
- If operating a boat, ensure you have your boating license (Motorized Pleasure Craft Operator Card)
- Do not drink and drive (or paddle)
- Do not overload your boat with people and always follow your boat's capacity restrictions
- Be aware of your surroundings, which includes:
- Other boats
- People
- Shallow areas
- Rocks
- Have a flashlight and flare gun with you
- Don’t speed when exiting/entering the bay/loading dock
- Know your vessel and its capabilities
- Stay alert to weather conditions
- Use common sense
Knowing the nautical rules of the road and practicing basic safety protocol is essential to reducing your risk of boating accidents. Practicing safe boating means that the operator of the boat, and all of the passengers on board, understand the risks and rules of boating.
According to statistics provided by the Canadian Safe Boating Council on June 20, 2020, over 80% of Canadians who drown while boating were not wearing a lifejacket, or were not wearing their lifejacket properly.
If you are in need of legal counsel regarding a boating accident or have questions about liability after a boating injury, please reach out to our team. Give us a call at (800) 715-1082 or contact us online for a free consultation.
From everyone at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, please stay safe and healthy!