The North Bay OPP would like everyone heading out on the waterways to reflect upon the numerous tragic and preventable deaths and injuries that occur on Ontario’s lakes and rivers, due to careless behaviour, every year.
Check the load capacity of your boat. Take a second trip, if necessary, to avoid over loading your boat. Distribute the load evenly so that your vessel is not prone to tipping or taking on water.
A big wake can easily upset a smaller craft and can cause property damage along shorelines. Boating restriction regulations limit speed to 10 km/hour when operating within 30 meters of shore.
Drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving, and the same Criminal Code laws apply. It is also an offence to have open liquor in your vessel unless it is moored for the night and has a washroom, cooking and sleeping facilities.
Boats vary in their size and configuration. Larger vessels need more space to manoeuvre and greater distances to stop. In addition, larger vessels tend to have blind spots that can limit the operator’s view of smaller vessels operating nearby. Persons operating these larger boats must also be mindful of the wake potential of their craft. A big wake can easily upset a smaller craft and can cause property damage along shorelines.
Fuel-check your tank and remember: 1/3 to travel, 1/3 to return, 1/3 for reserve.
All persons operating a boat are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
OPP data shows that eight out of ten victims who die in fatal boating incidents are not wearing a personal floating device (PFD). Every vessel must have a personal floatation device or lifejacket for everyone on board, and they must be accessible to all. Wearing a lifejacket can save your life.
The OPP supports proactive steps that will help reduce provincial drowning deaths. For more information, go to: Transport Canada website at: www.csbc.ca or www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/
