With Summer Break just around the corner, many Canadians are excited to get out on the water. Whether you're taking off in a motorboat, sailboat, canoe, or any other type of watercraft, it's important to prioritize safety. Before you embark on your aquatic adventures, take a moment to review our list of essential boating safety tips to ensure you and your passengers stay out of harm's way while enjoying the great outdoors.
 

1. See and be seen. Regardless of the type of watercraft you own, visibility is crucial. Not only do you need to have a clear view of your surroundings, but other boaters must also be able to see you. During the day, wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and minimize the intensity of light reflecting off the water. At night, make sure all the lights on your watercraft are functioning correctly and turned on.

2. Wear your flotation device. You are required by law to have a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) on board for each person on a watercraft, including human-powered crafts such as paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.¹ But what’s the difference between a lifejacket and a PFD?

Lifejackets

• Provide better flotation and thermal protection than most PFDs.
• Designed to turn you onto your back to keep your face out of the water, even if you’re unconscious.
• Come in bright colours like red, orange, and yellow, so you’re more visible in the water.

Personal floatation devices

• Can vary based on your needs and activity.
• Designed to be more comfortable since they're generally lighter and less bulky.
• Come in various types, sizes, and colours, but it's a good idea to choose bright colours so you're more visible in the water.

Look for a lifejacket or PFD with a label that says it’s been approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Lifejackets and PFDs are most effective when they fit snugly and are in good condition. It’s important to keep various sizes on hand for your guests and have everyone suit up before leaving the shore.
 

3. Boat like you’re on the road. Many boating accidents are caused by the same factors that cause car accidents, such as speeding, careless or distracted driving, failing to follow right-of-way rules and poor visibility. Make sure you practice all your safe driving habits when operating a boat. If your boat is motorized, remember to bring your boating license. If you’re unsure about right-of-way rules on the water, here’s a quick cheat sheet:²

• When meeting another watercraft head-on, both boaters should turn to their right (starboard) to avoid an accident. 
• When crossing paths with another watercraft, the boater approaching from the right side (starboard) has the right-of-way. The other boater should slow down or adjust their course as necessary.
• If a boater wants to overtake or pass another watercraft, they must yield the right-of-way to the watercraft they're passing and adjust their speed or direction as necessary.
• A human- or wind-powered watercraft always has the right-of-way unless they're trying to overtake a motorized boat.
   

4. Never boat under the influence. Although it might be tempting to enjoy a few cold drinks on the dock before heading out onto the water, operating any boat (even a canoe or kayak) while impaired is not only illegal but also significantly increases the risk of an accident. It's important to note that you could face the same legal penalties as impaired driving.³ To put it plainly, don't consume drugs or alcohol before you get behind the wheel or pick up a paddle.

5. Don't forget about boat insurance. While most home insurance policies provide some coverage for certain types of watercraft, larger boats or those with more horsepower and modifications may need separate policies. Boat insurance can protect you against damage or theft of your boat, as well as liability claims resulting from using your boat.

If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-615-9329 to review your existing boat insurance policy. If you're not insured with OTIP and are shopping for boat insurance or a policy for any other leisure products, including RVs, motorcycles, and ATVs, call us at 1-833-494-0085 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!
 

1. Transport Canada – Choosing lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs)
2. Transport Canada – Chapter 12 – Obey the “Rules of the Road”
3. Transport Canada – Speed and impaired boating