Boating Tips: Getting Ready for the Water!

The sun is beaming, the sky is clear, and your watercraft is loaded up and ready to go. But wait! How do you ensure that your boating summer adventures remain safe? We’ve gathered some important tips to make sure you, your family and your guests are safe during the most sought after season of the year, summer! With the sun out and the nice weather back, owning a watercraft can be one of the greatest leisure investments you may make. So as for tips, here is a list of boating advice to make sure you get the most out of your aquatic excursions. Bring Marine Safety Equipment When on a watercraft we’re at the mercy of the lake, river or ocean that we may be traveling on. If you’re the owner or operator of the watercraft, it’s the law to ensure that you have the proper amount of safety equipment on your vessel. Not having a working flashlight due to faulty batteries is common and can often result in fines. Safety should be your first thought when boating! Know the Weather Conditions It’s important to take into account the weather conditions when you decide to take your boat for a spin. Make sure to review the Weather Network Marine Forecast before leaving the house, this small step before hitting the water will help you avoid driving your boat in poor conditions that may be dangerous. Life Jackets Whether you’re on a boat, jet ski or any other type of watercraft, one of the few safety defenses you have is a life jacket! If you’ve decided to take your boat out and go tubing, water skiing, or wakeboarding you shouldn’t risk not having a life jacket on. Even if you’re a great swimmer, in the event of an unforeseen accident, a personal flotation device can not only save your life but keep you afloat until help arrives. Bring Dry Clothes This one is often left over looked! You may not think of it, but bringing some dry clothes and a towel is a great decision when boating. Getting back to the dock and having to leave in wet clothes may not be fun. Boating, especially when done properly, can be some of the best memories you have over the summer months. There are so many great activities that surround boating such as being in the sun, the fresh air, fishing, tubing and much more. We hope you have fun in the sun this summer on your boat and maintain safety as your first priority. If you’re just getting into boating, we strongly recommend you take a read through the 8 Things to Know About Boat Insurance in Ontario! If you have any questions regarding boat insurance in Ottawa, don’t hesitate to contact one of our insurance specialists today. We will work with you to make sure your boating season stays worry free while you cruise or sail around in your watercraft!