Boating & Fishing Safety Education
The Lifesaving Society of BC and Yukon gathers drowning statistics to target its public education efforts and lifesaving courses to those who are most at risk. Every year, approximately 33% of all drownings in British Columbia and Yukon are boating related and 15% occurred when fishing. Boating dangers include boating alone, boating in unsafe weather or water conditions, not wearing a lifejacket, overloading, speeding, and consuming alcohol.
Safe boating practices are important, to reduce fatalities and for ensuring watercraft safety on open water. Take a water safety course to learn prevention strategies, self-rescue, the rescue of others and basic first aid. In the meantime, follow these boat and fishing safety tips to promote safe boating practices:
Boating & Fishing Safety Tips
- Choose it and use it! Always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD)! Always wear a lifejacket or PFD on the boat; not doing so increases drowning risk. Today’s options, like inflatable types, are easier and more comfortable to wear.
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Get carded! Regulations require proof of competency for boating. Proof of competency can take one of 3 forms:
- Completed Canadian boating safety course before April 1, 1999.
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
- Rental-boat safety checklist for power-driven rentals, valid for the rental period.
- Don’t overload. Avoid capsizing by following the load restrictions of your craft. This includes not only the number of passengers, but also the weight of your gear.
- Think about it. Boat sober! According to the National Drowning Trends Report, alcohol was involved in 38% of all boating deaths from 1991-2000, impacting balance, judgement, and reaction time.
- Wear the right gear! Wear your lifejacket or PFD, of course, as well as good sunglasses, sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Paddles, whistles and flares are the right gear, too.
- Never stand up in your small powerboat, canoe or other similar watercraft. Numerous drownings occur when fishermen stand up to urinate over the side of a boat.
- Follow the rules of the road. Be courteous of others using the waterways and obey all boating rules. Be watchful of swimmers and other boaters, and always have a spotter for water-skiers and tube riders.
- Know before you go! Check the forecast and create a simple safety checklist. Create a checklist before boating: Weather, local hazards, water conditions, maps, lifejackets, first aid, tools, fuel, safety equipment, and notify someone of your plans.
- Drive your powerboat or PWC responsibly! Operate safely: Check surroundings, drive cautiously, monitor weather, use proper lights at night. Ensure age-appropriate supervision for boat and PWC operation.
- Get trained—take some Lifesaving courses. Be prepared in the event of an accident—whether your boat capsizes or you need to rescue someone else. Become aware of the dangers of cold water.
