What's Basic Boating Safety?
The best boating is always done safely. Basic boating safety means having the required boating equipment, including lifejackets, and following boating regulations.
You protect yourself, your passengers, and other boaters when you make safety your top priority.
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Basic boat safety
Lifejackets
Canada averages 111 recreational boating deaths each year. Not using a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket is a leading cause of death among recreational boaters, accounting for 89% of all fatalities.
A lifejacket needs to fit the person who’s wearing it. A life jacket that is too big can slip off or ride up, potentially obscuring your face and causing you to drown. A life jacket that is too small will not provide adequate buoyancy and could fail to keep you afloat.
A child’s lifejacket needs to fit properly because a snug fit helps make sure the lifejacket won't slip off, especially if the child is struggling in the water.
In Canada, every watercraft must have a lifejacket for each person on board, it must be readily accessible, and in good condition. It is not mandatory, though, to wear them while on a boat.
For Ontario boaters: Joshua's Law, also known as Lifejackets for Life, went into effect in Ontario in April 2024. This law requires children 12 years of age and younger to wear a lifejacket or PFD while on a pleasure boat that is underway or while being towed behind a pleasure boat using recreational water equipment.
Do not speed
The faster your boat travels, the greater the distance required for it to stop.
Following boating speed limits help keep boaters, swimmers, water sports practitioners, and marine life safe. Speed limits can vary depending on the location and type of waterway.
Within 30 metres (100 feet) of shorelines, the speed limit is typically 10 km/h unless posted. This rule helps protect swimmers, small watercraft, and the shoreline environment.
Boating equipment
What if you have a boating emergency? Is your boat’s safety equipment up to date?
Make sure to inspect and replace if necessary:
- Expired flares and fire extinguishers
- Life jackets that are damaged or don’t fit passengers
- First-aid kits that are outdated or missing items
- Sound signaling devices (like air horns or whistles)
Transport Canada requires specific safety equipment based on the size and type of boat.
Don’t boat under the influence
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, consuming or having open alcohol containers on private boats is illegal, unless specific conditions are met.
Boat passengers may legally consume alcohol within accepted limits only if the boat:
- Has permanent cooking facilities
- Has a permanent sleeping area
- Has a permanent toilet (a portable toilet does not count)
- Is moored to the dock, at anchor or beached, and is not motion
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is an offence to operate a boat if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs (including cannabis).
How are boating regulations enforced in Canada?
In Canada, boating regulations are enforced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial and municipal police forces, and other local authorities.
They have the power to inspect boats, monitor activities, and issue fines for violations of boating laws and safety regulations.
Stay safe with basic boating skills
Basic safety measures
- Passenger falls overboard: Reduce speed and toss the overboard passenger a lifejacket or PFD.
- Potential collision: Slow down and yield the right-of-way to other vessel.
- File a float plan with a marina or trusted family member as a way for authorities to locate you if needed.
- Master the basics: Know how to steer your boat, how to launch and dock your boat, throw an anchor, and put your boat on its trailer.
- Know basic nautical terms for safety and communication with other boaters.
- Learn how to tie basic knots, such as a bowline, square knot, and figure-eight knot, to know how to tie your boat up at a dock or to secure equipment.
- Have some basic first-aid skills.
- Be aware of the weather and head to shore if the weather is turning for the worse.
Do you have boat insurance?
If your boat is financed, your lender may require boat insurance. Many marinas require boat insurance with $3 million in liability coverage.
Boat insurance protects you and your loved ones, even though it is not mandatory in Canada. It protects your boat and its motor, boating equipment, and boating accessories like lifejackets, GPS, depth sounders, and many other items. Can you afford not to have boat insurance?
Do you have your PCOC?
In Canada, you need a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). The PCOC is also known as a Canadian boating license.
Operating a motorized boat without the required proof of competency (PCOC) can result in a fine, with a minimum of $250. You can get the card by taking a boating safety course in-person or online and passing the test at the end of the course.
It is mandatory for anyone operating a motorized recreational vessel in Canada, regardless of age, boat size, or engine horsepower, except in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
In conclusion
Boating safety shouldn’t be taken for granted. As fun as it is to be out on the water, accidents can happen and the water can be deadly. When you’re making the right decisions to stay safe on the water, you are protecting not only yourself but other boaters.
