Boating Awareness Week Archives - Muskoka411 https://muskoka411.com/tag/boating-awareness-week/ Muskoka News – Breaking News & Community Updates Sun, 21 May 2023 18:22:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://muskoka411.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cropped-siteicon-1-32x32.png Boating Awareness Week Archives - Muskoka411 https://muskoka411.com/tag/boating-awareness-week/ 32 32 May 20-26, 2023 is Safe Boating Awareness Week https://muskoka411.com/may-20-26-2023-is-safe-boating-awareness-week/ https://muskoka411.com/may-20-26-2023-is-safe-boating-awareness-week/#respond Sun, 21 May 2023 18:22:12 +0000 https://muskoka411.com/?p=96389 The Annual, Safe Boating Awareness Week will take place across Canada from May 20th to May 26th, 2023. The purpose of this initiative, managed by the CSBC (Canadian Safe Boating Council) together with its partners, is to promote safe and responsible boating practices. Boating is HUGE in Canada. More than 16 million Canadians enjoy recreational boating, […]

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]]> The Annual, Safe Boating Awareness Week will take place across Canada from May 20th to May 26th, 2023. The purpose of this initiative, managed by the CSBC (Canadian Safe Boating Council) together with its partners, is to promote safe and responsible boating practices.

Boating is HUGE in Canada. More than 16 million Canadians enjoy recreational boating, and that number has significantly increased, some say by large double-digit percentages …20, 30 even 40 %… driven by COVID-19. Because of COVID-19, marine dealers have reported empty shelves of boating gear and exhausted inventories of new and used boats as many people, new to boating, have made purchases and are taking to the water for the first time. And the effect on the number of boating incidents is quite telling. The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centres across the country are reporting a significant increase in marine SAR incidents. Notably, recreational boating experienced an increase of 32.7 % in marine incidents in 2021 compared to pre-covid times in 2019.

New boaters, along with existing boaters, make this year’s Safe Boating Awareness Week especially critical as Canadians embark on a new boating season.

To help boaters focus on what is important, the CSBC and its partners are promoting five key boating safety messages directed towards the most common boating related incidents. They include:

  1. Wear Your lifejacket
  2. Boat Sober
  3. Be prepared, You and Your Vessel
  4. Take a Boating Course
  5. Be Cold Water Safe

To help deliver these messages, the CSBC works with a variety of boating and water safety groups and agencies and also depends on the participation of Canadian media to help get the boating safety messages out.

“Safe Boating is not just a week-long affair. To ensure an enjoyable boating trip for everyone, be safe and stay safe and always wear your lifejacket.” – John Gullick, Chair, Canadian Safe Boating Council

“The number of boats on our waterways keeps growing – big and small, powered, sail, and human powered. When you venture out, be prepared and be safe.” Josée Côté, Directrice Générale/General manager, Nautisme Québec

“When people think about driving impaired, they think about a car on the road. But operating a boat while impaired is just as dangerous and illegal.” – Jaymie-Lyne Hancock, President – MADD Canada

“We know that time spent outdoors is good for us, both physically and mentally. Outdoor activity continues to thrive, especially in paddling, and it is important for new and seasoned paddlers to be safe while enjoying their time on the water.” – Michelle McShane, Executive Director – Paddle Canada

Go to www.sbaw.ca to access videos from CSBC partners that can be downloaded by media or shared on social media.

Safe Boating Awareness Week is promoted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), a registered charity, with support from its members, partners and Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.

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]]> https://muskoka411.com/may-20-26-2023-is-safe-boating-awareness-week/feed/ 0 CanadaBoatSafety.com Celebrates Safe Boating Awareness Week https://muskoka411.com/canadaboatsafety-com-celebrates-safe-boating-awareness-week/ https://muskoka411.com/canadaboatsafety-com-celebrates-safe-boating-awareness-week/#respond Thu, 26 May 2022 00:11:52 +0000 https://muskoka411.com/?p=84632 This week is Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 21-27, 2022), and CanadaBoatSafety.com would like to encourage public awareness of boating safety. One way to start is for people to take a boating safety course and get their boating license, known as the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card (PCOC). CanadaBoatSafety.com is a Transport Canada-approved site and a great place to […]

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]]> This week is Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 21-27, 2022), and CanadaBoatSafety.com would like to encourage public awareness of boating safety. One way to start is for people to take a boating safety course and get their boating license, known as the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card (PCOC).

CanadaBoatSafety.com is a Transport Canada-approved site and a great place to get this license. The course usually costs $42 (including tax); however, during Safe Boating Awareness Week, the course is offered for 50% off with the code BoatSafetyWeek, which expires May 29th, 2022.

Besides getting your license, here are the Top 10 Boating Safety Tips:

  1. Wear a Life Jacket – Even if you are a strong swimmer with quick reflexes, it’s a great idea always to wear your life jacket when on your boat. Choose one that fits properly and is designed for your activity. A PFD that flips you on your back and keeps your head above water is ideal.
  2. Don’t Boat Under the Influence – Any substance that impairs your ability to focus on boating should be avoided, including alcohol, prescription drugs, or other drugs (legal or illegal). Boaters under the influence cause one-third of all boating fatalities.
  3. Carry Proper Safety Equipment – Fire extinguishers, lights, flares, bailers, sound signals, navigation aids, and flags are essential for keeping you safe in an emergency. Check equipment conditions and expiration dates before you head out. If your boat is equipped with an engine cut-off device or switch, you must use it.
  4. Don’t Overload Your Boat – Your vessel’s capacity plate will advise the recommended weight of passengers and gear. Make sure you load it evenly to keep the boat stable and prevent capsizing.
  5. File a Float Plan – Let someone know your boating plans and when you will return. Have a plan to check in if your route changes and when they should call for assistance. Know how to use VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones to call for help.
  6. Check the Weather – Before and during your trip, keep track of storms that may head into the area. Head toward shore or shelter if the skies start to turn ominous. Take an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Bring rain gear and sun protection.
  7. Stay Focused – Conditions on the water can change in an instant. Stay alert and pay attention to your actions and the actions of other boaters, anglers, and divers.
  8. Slower is Safer – Follow posted speed signs, and slow down when it’s congested, near wildlife areas, where people are fishing or diving, and when docking.
  9. Know Navigation Rules – The CanadaBoatSafety.com PCOC course will teach you the “Rules of the Road,” including how to signal or pass other vessels.  Don’t assume the other vessels will follow the rules and be prepared to compensate.
  10. Obey the Laws – The CanadaBoatSafety.com course will go over boating laws in various circumstances, but head to Transport Canada’s website to see the latest rules and regulations. Pay attention and follow any law enforcement instructions.

Get ready for the summer boating season by refreshing yourself and your passengers on safe boating practices. While attention is drawn to safety this week, following these guidelines will protect you all year long.

Please don’t wait to get your PCOC. Head over to CanadaBoatSafety.com and sign up for their class using the code BoatSafetyWeek.

SOURCE CanadaBoatSafety.com

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