Waterway Safety is in Your Hands!

We are all excited to be out on the water again to enjoy epic summer adventures while fishing, jet skiing, swimming, surfing, paddling, and so much more. Let’s make this year the best one yet by working together as a community to assure the safety and enjoyment of the waterways for all users and recreational activities.

This season, let’s all remember that waterway safety is in our hands. Let’s all do our part:

1. Boat sober

2. Wear a lifejacket

3. Take a boating course

4. Keep your wakes low around other vessels and swimmers

5. Enjoy your watersport activities 50 to 100 meters from the shoreline

6. Slow down in high traffic areas

7. Have fun and be safe by ensuring you pack your safety equipment, wear a life jacket, and be aware of your surroundings.

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Do you know the Rules of the Road?

In tight quarters, as we face on the Pinawa Channel and parts of the Lee River, knowledge of the ‘Rules of the Road’ is critical to vessels’ safe operation. Do you know what vessels have the right of way? Do you know the difference between a Stand-On Vessel and a Giveway Vessel?

This season, let’s all remember that waterway safety is in our hands.

1. What Vessels have the Right of Way?

a. Vessels under paddle (e.g., Canoe, Kayak, SUP) have the right of way under most circumstances but should be
aware that other vessels might not know this.

b. Vessels under sail must give way to paddle crafts since they are considered less maneuverable.

c. Vessels under power must give way to vessels that are less maneuverable such as sailboats and paddle crafts.

2. Stand-On versus Giveway Vessels

The Stand-On vessel has the responsibility to maintain course and speed such that the Give-Way can determine the best action to stay clear. The Give-Way vessel has the responsibility to take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to avoid the Stand-On vessel. Appropriate actions to give way include stopping, slowing down or altering course to go behind the vessel with the right of way.

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It Only Works if You Wear It!

If you are not wearing your lifejacket or not wearing it properly, it will not benefit you in an emergency. When you’re out on the water, make sure always to wear your lifejacket properly.

This season, let’s all remember that waterway safety is in our hands. Let’s all do our part and set a good example for waterway safety by wearing our lifejackets!
Check out this video from CSBC to learn how to inspect your lifejacket to ensure it will work when you need it.

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Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card Today!

Going out on the water requires basic boating safety knowledge and a good understanding of the “rules of the road” for Canadian waterways. That’s why EVERYONE who operates a motorized pleasure craft MUST CARRY PROOF OF COMPETENCY on board. This includes all types of motorized boats, no matter the size or horsepower of the engine.

This season, let’s all remember that waterway safety is in our hands. Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card today.

You can get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card by passing a boating safety test available through a Transport Canada accredited course provider.

These course providers help recreational boaters gain basic boating safety knowledge through flexible education and testing options, including classroom, Internet, and self-study.

Transport Canada (TC) recommends taking a boating safety course as the best way to prepare for the test. Taking a course, while not required, is a small investment that has a big payoff: it will make you more aware of safe boating practices, prevention measures, and practical ways to reduce risks.

The course itself covers a full range of basic boating information such as:

• the minimum safety equipment required on board your boat;
• what Canadian buoys look like and what they mean;
• how to share waterways;
• a review of regulations that relate to pleasure boating; and
• how to respond in an emergency

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Do You Know What Safety Equipment is Required on Your Vessel?

Are you taking the boat out this weekend? Do you have all the required safety equipment properly stored on your vessel? Before you head out this weekend, make sure you have the safety equipment required by law for your vessel.

This season, let’s all remember that waterway safety is in our hands. Let’s all do our part and set a good example for waterway safety by ensuring you have everything you need.

In Canada, the safety equipment required on board depends on the type and length of your boat. The minimum safety equipment requirements for paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, Personal Watercraft, Power Boats and more can be found on pages 15 to 33 of the Safe Boating Guide – Safety Tips and Requirements for Pleasure Crafts.

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