OPP data shows eight of 10 victims who die in boating incidents were not wearing personal floating devices. The OPP is reminding the public to keep boating safety in mind while out on the water.
All water crafts must have at least one life jacket or PFD for each person on board. Wearing a life jacket can save your life. Double check the load capacity of your boat and distribute all the weight evenly so that your vessel is not prone to tipping or taking on water.
A big wake can easily upset smaller water crafts and cause property damage along the shoreline. Boating restrictions limit speeds to 10 kilometers per hour when operating within 30 meters of shore.
Drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving and the same laws apply. It is also illegal to have open liquor unless the boat is moored for the night and has a washroom, cooking and sleeping facilities.
Anyone operating a boat is required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
