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Water Safety for Summer Fun

Jul. 30 2020 Water Safety By Redhead Powersports

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Summer is here in full force and many are spending time out on the water to make the most of it! Here are some things to keep in mind while enjoying the lakes this summer:

Be aware of developing weather and water conditions, and any hazards that may affect your trip. Plan ahead. Avoid dangerous behaviours and operate at a safe speed, do not try to spray swimmers, or cut in front of or try to jump the wake of other vessels. Be aware of what is going on around you, watch for divers, and aircraft when you are out on the water and give plenty of space.

Boating Safety:
Along with your pleasure craft operator card, you are required by law to carry marine safety equipment. At a bare minimum you should always have:

  • Canadian approved flotation device of life jacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board.
  • Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length
  • Watertight flashlight OR Canadian approved flares – Type A,B or C
  • Sound-signaling device
  • Manual propelling device (i.e. paddle) OR an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, chain or cable
  • Bailer OR manual water pump
  • Class 5 BC fire extinguisher

Other items to carry with you:

  • First Aid Kit
  • Drinking water
  • Sun-screen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Dry clothing (i.e. long-sleeved shirt)
  • Snacks
  • Waterproof matches
  • Knife

*Please note: There is no safe way to mix alcohol and drugs with boating. Many people think it is okay to drink and boat – but it’s not. In fact drinking or using drugs while boating is just as illegal as driving while impaired and can be even more dangerous. - Boat smart, boat sober!


Recreational Water Toys

Tips for towed toys: (tubes, skies, wake boards)

  • Regularly check tow ropes for wear and tear: It is recommended that tow ropes be buoyant and contain bright colours so that they can easily be seen in the water. Tow ropes must be maintained and should not have any rips or tears in the fabric. Use the appropriate size and type of rope for the activity you are doing.
  • Always wear appropriate life-jackets: This includes PFDs and Life-jackets that are approved by Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Ski belts are not enough to keep adults or children safe.
  • Always have a driver and a spotter: This must be two different people so that they can each concentrate on their roles.
  • Have pre-established communication/hand signals: both the spotter and the person being towed need to know what it means to speed up, slow down, stop, go in, etc.

Tips for using ride-on toys like scooters, stand up paddle boards, paddle boats or wind surfers:

  • WEAR your life-jacket: When it comes to life-jackets, keeping one close by isn’t close enough. Choose to wear your life-jacket and make every water activity a safe one.
  • Know your swimming ability: Many of these activities will involve being in the water, and usually away from shore. Be aware of your swimming ability in the event that you fall off or lose your craft.
  • Use the safety leash: In the case of a paddle board, surf board or wind surfer, ensure that you have a leash attached to you and your board.
  • Stay with your craft: In the event that you get into trouble, always stay with your board or craft.
  • Don’t drink and play: There is no safe way to mix alcohol or drugs with water activities.

Tips for using inflatable toys like swim platforms, slides, trampolines and party islands:

  • Secure or anchor your water toy: Your water toy should be secured, away from a high-traffic boating area, to avoid drifting with waves, tides or winds.
  • Check the label for weight or rider restrictions: Never overload a water toy.
  • Don’t swim around or under water toys: Check regularly to ensure swimmers have not become trapped beneath them.
  • Children should only play on water toys with others of similar weight or size: Mixing younger children with older ones may result in injury.
  • Remove all jewelry, watches, shoes, glasses, etc. before using water toys.

Tips for using swimming and training aids:

  • To avoid injuries, always warm up first before using training aids like kick boards, paddles, pull buoys, fins, etc.
  • Masks and snorkels require training in order to use correctly. Contact your local scuba centre for more information about proper use and care of snorkel or scuba equipment.
  • Mermaid tails can be lots of fun for children and adults alike! Mermaid tails can be dangerous if used by inexperienced swimmers because they bind together the legs of the wearer, which can negatively impact their ability to float and maneuver in the water. Always directly supervise any swimmer wearing a mermaid tail. Contact your local pool to inquire whether they offer mermaid tail classes.

 General swimming safety: 

  • Never underestimate the power of currents. A boater, swimmer or wader in open water who underestimates the power of currents can be swept away instantly.
  • Distance is deceiving and you often have to contend with cold waters, waves, currents, drop offs sandbars, water visibility, undertows and underwater obstacles as well as motor crafts.
  • Always swim with a buddy and check the weather conditions before venturing into the water
  • Life-jackets are like seat belts – they only work if you wear them, and wear them properly.

Find more information on all forms of water safety and concern at https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/swimming-and-water-safety-tips-and-resources/swimming-boating-and-water-safety-tips/open-water

Find the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide at:  https://www2.tc.gc.ca/en/services/marine/documents/tp-511e.pdf