On a waterway, everything can change in an instant. That’s all it takes for two boats to collide, for you to run up on a shoal or to hit a swimmer. It’s why operating a boat is such an important responsibility.
Boating safely requires proper preparation before leaving the dock, but once out on the water, you still aren’t in the clear. Here are two of the biggest factors Transport Canada identifies as causing accidents:
Operating while impaired: Whenever you operate a boat, you’re responsible for the safety of your guests and other people using the waterway. Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs compromises your ability to assess and avoid hazards. It’s a danger to yourself and others, and it’s illegal.
Mixing alcohol and drugs with boating is far more dangerous than many people realize. Even if you haven’t had anything, fatigue, sun, wind and the motion of the boat may still dull your senses. Adding in alcohol and drugs intensifies these effects, reducing your fine motor skills and impairing your judgement further.
Going too fast: Even if you’re completely sober, it’s still essential to give yourself time to react. Operating above a safe speed puts yourself, your passengers and other boaters at risk. Having to stop or turn suddenly to avoid a collision is more difficult and more dangerous the faster you’re going.
What a safe speed looks like often depends on the conditions. Here are some things to consider:
– What’s the visibility? Darkness, mist, rain and fog all make it much harder to see faraway boats and hazards.
– Is anything affecting your movement? High winds, choppy water and strong currents all impact how safely you can maneuver at speed.
– How does your boat handle? Different boats maneuver differently, and how much weight you have onboard has a significant effect.
– How’s the traffic? A busy channel, especially with large vessels, means more chances for a collision with less room to avoid one unless you reduce your speed.
– What will your wake do? In tight channels or near shore, putting out a large wake can damage other vessels, docks and the shoreline. It can also swamp swimmers and potentially capsize small vessels like canoes. It’s important to be mindful of how your speed will affect others.
When it comes to avoiding a deadly accident on the water, every split second counts. By keeping your speed in check and the party on the dock, you can help everyone reach their destination safely. Learn more about safe boating at canada.ca/boatingsafety.
— News Canada
