Drive that boat safely!

By Susan Hofforth

Everybody loves to get out on the lake in the summer and have fun in the motorboat. Here are some tips for the boat driver to pilot safely and make sure everyone has a good experience.

First of all, remember that alcohol and drugs are illegal when driving a boat as they are with any type of motor vehicle. According to national statistics, approximately 40 per cent of all power boating fatality victims have a blood alcohol level that is over the legal limit.
It is also illegal not to provide a life jacket for everyone in the boat. Be sure that everyone is wearing one especially when driving at higher speeds.
Make sure your passengers are sitting down in the boat. A fast throttle change will cause standees to fall down. Deceleration will have them falling forward, and acceleration will send them backward. Drive safely, and watch for obstacles and other boat traffic. While jet boating, there are hazards and sand bars in the water. A boat collision is no different from a vehicle collision.

Don’t try and scare your passengers whether they are in the boat, or being pulled behind it. Give them an enjoyable ride. If you are pulling people behind your boat, have a spotter watch them, and a set of hand signals to help you communicate with each other.

Stay clear of swimming areas and places where people are fishing. Also, keep clear of weeds. If a passenger falls out of the boat into a weedy area that person can get tangled. Your propeller will be useless if it gets snarled with weeds.

Be aware of the weather forecast before you set out, and keep your eye on the sky. The weather can change rapidly. Return to shore if you notice a storm coming.

Remember that while you are operating the boat, you are responsible for all passengers in your craft and also those you are pulling behind. As well, respect others who are out using the water. Make it an enjoyable experience for all and enjoy our waterways.
Items required by law
• Operator’s Card
• Life jacket for all on board, appropriate size
• Buoyant heaving line, at least 15 meters long
• Watertight flashlight or certified flares
• Sound-signaling device
• Paddles or an anchor with 15 meters of rope or chain
• Bailer or manual water pump
• Class 5 BC fire extinguisher

Additional recommended items
• Marine first aid kit
• Drinking water
• Sunscreen and hat
• Dry clothing
• Snacks (keep them in a waterproof bucket)
• Waterproof matches
• Knife
• Towels
• Extra propeller
• Marine radio
• Ropes for tying boat
• Air pump for inflatables