LET’S GET ON THE WATER – CAREFULLY!
Ah, long weekends. There are only four during the summer so each
one is cherished by Canadians but this one coming up carries special
significance for boaters and cottagers.
(There are few things we Canadians cherish more than our long
weekends. One such long weekend carries
special significance for boaters and cottagers.) It’s the May 24th Victoria Day
long weekend, which is considered by most as the unofficial start of
summer! It’s the weekend where the
“Honey Do” List takes a back seat to opening up the cottage, launching the boat
and hauling out the water toys.
Historically, though, this weekend has also
been one that generates more than its fair share of boating-related incidents
and fatalities. It’s for this reason
that May 19th-25th is North American Safe Boating
Awareness Week for 2012. The goal is to
remind those who ply our Canadian waterways to boat safely and responsibly, now
at the beginning of boating season.
There
are a number of factors that together constitute a dangerous mix when on the
water at any time, but especially during long weekends; when the sheer number of boats on the lake
which often out number those of a normal weekend by a factor of 10! Even on relatively calm days, the converging
wakes generated by the increased traffic from sport boats to large cruisers can
easily capsize smaller fishing boats, canoes and kayaks.
Make sure to have sufficient personal
floatation devices (PFDs) on board for everyone. Check them for proper fit as well as for
broken zippers or buckles, split seams or excessive wear. Should any of these be apparent, the PFD must
be replaced.
However the greatest contributor to tragedies
on long holiday weekends can be the celebratory consumption of alcohol that
accompanies the euphoria of leaving the rat race behind, even for a few days. In fact,
alcohol accounts for approximately 40% of all boating-related incidents and
fatalities. Many think that having one or two might be ok, but the sun, wind
and the gentle rocking of the boat exaggerate alcohol’s effects which means it
takes far less alcohol to achieve a level of intoxication. This intoxication is
especially dangerous when trying to negotiate through a crowded anchorage
littered with hundreds of boats and people milling about in the water not
paying attention.
It’s not difficult to have an enjoyable and
safe start to your summer. By behaving responsibly on the water, ensuring you
have the proper safety equipment aboard and limiting your alcohol consumption
to after your arrive back at the dock, you can truly enjoy this upcoming
holiday weekend.
Gordon Bay Marine wishes all boaters a happy & safe summer on the water.
