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 Safety
First
by
Mark King
It's always exciting
to see your boat splash into the water for first time of the
season. You can finally climb on board, turn the key and take
off for a day with friends or family.
But before you head out for your first cruise,
late spring has its own unique perils for the unwary. The
water is still cold, the weather is unpredictable and cruising
conditions may not be the best. But with a little preparation,
knowledge and common sense, your first cruise of the year
can be one of your most memorable.
Proper planning begins the day you start loading
your safety and other boat gear aboard your vessel. Since
there is a tendency to do this quickly (so we can get out
on the water faster) be sure all safety gear is in place and
in proper working condition. Emergency signals and rescue
devices must be on board, up-to-date and easily accessible.
Also ensure your PFDs still fit everyone on board and meet
current CCG standards. It not only makes sense, it's the law.
Another good idea is to practice emergency
procedures with family members or guests. Explain where safety
gear is found on board and be clear on how to use them.
This is time of year when small unexpected
mechanical problems may arise. Hoses which were weak last
fall may not work at all or pumps that were operating fine
on your last cruise may suddenly quit. Impellers also often
choose spring to shred. If you have any doubt with engine
repair, take your vessel in for service at your local marina.
Prior to casting your lines, file a float
plan with a fellow boater or local marina to inform someone
of where you are going and the time of your return. This is
the time of year when floating aids to navigation are sometimes
pushed out of position. If you lose your way, especially on
a larger body of water, rescuers have a good starting point
to begin a search.
While you are enjoying the excitement of the
sport, always be cautious and alert when driving your vessel.
It's not that uncommon to see heavy logs or other damaging
debris floating just below the surface.
One other common problem boaters face this
time of year is water temperature. In open lakes and rivers,
launch season commences as soon as the ice leaves the docks.
But just because the ice has thawed, it doesn't mean the water
is warm. In fact, until late May, and even well into June,
hypothermia is still a real concern. If a life jacket blows
overboard the usual plan is to dive into the water and retrieve
it. When you do this in early May, you may not get back to
the boat.
Similarly, if you have mechanical problems
that require work in the water, you would be much safer getting
a tow back to the marina. If you breakdown in unfamiliar water,
make sure you know what is on the bottom before you anchor
or jump overboard. It's a terrible surprise when you jump
into eight to ten feet of water only to realize the bottom
is rocky and strewn with boulders. Remember, the bottom composition
changes rapidly among many of Canada's waterways.
Spring boating is among the most refreshing
and rejuvenating experiences after a cold Canadian winter.
If you take time and prepare for your first outing this season,
it can only lead to a more enjoyable summer.
(Top)
Lifeline
is produced through the Safe Boater Training Program, a certification
program for recreational boaters.
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