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On the Water

Boating Safety

Every year, about 150–200 Canadians die in boating incidents, most of which are preventable1. Here are a few tips to keep you and your passengers safe.

  • Take a course on boating safety so you know the safety equipment requirements for your watercraft, as well as current regulations and how to respond in emergency situations.
  • Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) by passing an accredited test.
  • Your lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) works best when worn—wear it! About 90 per cent of all drowning victims in recreational boating incidents were not wearing their lifejacket or PFD.2
  • Boats must be equipped with an approved and appropriately sized lifejacket or personal flotation device for every person on board.
  • Don't drink and boat. It's dangerous and illegal. Around 40 per cent of all power boating fatalities have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit for drivers.3
  • Have working fire extinguishers on your boat, in key areas such as the galley or engine room. Make sure your crew knows where they are and how to use them.

1. www.tc.gc.ca/aboutus/travel/travellerinfo.htm

2. www.safety-council.org/info/sport/PFDs.html

3. www.tc.gc.ca/aboutus/travel/travellerinfo.htm

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