In the warmer months especially, sailing is a wonderful pastime to get involved in; although for many this is an all year round activity. Boating can bring so many wonderful pleasures that it can be difficult to be sensible and consider the safety features involved each and every time. Sailing, as much fun as it can be, can quickly turn into anything but which is why safety is so important. These safety measures are not rocket science but perhaps they need to be highlighted so that the importance of boating safety is properly understood.
We have all heard about the importance of having a life jacket on hand whilst on the water and yet many of us may not even consider its importance when we all we see is a peaceful and consequently ideal day for sailing. The weather does not need to have turned for the worst for life jackets to become essential. The numbers of deaths that occur due to drowning are staggering, even in calm weather conditions. We may not be aware how quickly an adult can drown, despite being able to swim.
Legally it is not necessary to be wearing a life jacket but this ends up resulting in life jackets being left below deck in the corner and out of reach. Old-fashioned life jackets were somewhat bulky and uncomfortable yet there are many modern versions now available that are lightweight, fashionable and very comfortable to wear.
Although not all road safety rules can be applied to boating cautions, there is one particular one that should be reiterated more often and that is drinking whilst sailing. Although there is no law to state you cannot drink whilst sailing, a lot fewer fatalities would occur if people knew when to stop.
Communication is essential when it comes to boating safety. If no one knows where you have gone and there is not way for you to communicate where you are in the event of something happen, this could be fatal.
Before venturing out on the water by yourself, be sure to always inform someone of your plans. In case anything should happen or if the weather suddenly y takes a turn, that someone will know to keep a look out for you to make sure you return safely, and if not will be able to save precious time by looking for you in the right place.
Make sure you have an adequate marine radio on hand at all times. Mobile phones are not sufficient enough on water as aside from unreliable coverage, they are vulnerable to the effects of water damage. Having a marine radio means that you can communicate to others should anything happen. Being able to communicate should always be one of the first considerations before setting out to sail.
Above and beyond these safety guidelines, always keep yourself updated with any relevant boating news and information. Keeping yourself up to speed through a boating course is always good practice. By keep abreast of current sailing news you will be able o keep yourself and others safe whilst still being able to enjoy the pure pleasure that boating has to offer
Taking the boat on Lake Ontario this weekend? Don’t get caught without an Ontario boat license. Take time today to complete a boater exam, you can take the test online and have a pcoc today.