If you’re anything like the members of the SOS First Aid team, you’re pretty excited about the impending summertime! The warmest and sunniest season of all officially gets underway on the 20th of June. However, you certainly don’t have to wait that long to enjoy the heat and sunshine. The Greater Toronto Area has been experiencing summer-like conditions as of late. It really makes you want to get out onto or into the water, doesn’t it?
Is water fun always a big part of your summertime activities? If so, it should go without saying that enjoying your time with a “safety first” mentality is paramount. Whether you enjoy boating, swimming or both, it’s imperative that you practice safety measures.
Here are four essential boat and water safety tips for the forthcoming summer:
1. Always Wear a Life Jacket on your Boat
It may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s vital we start with it. Here’s a reminder that wearing a life jacket, when on your boat, is non-negotiable. It’s important that every passenger, regardless of their swimming skills, is equipped with a properly fitted life jacket. It must be correctly fastened and in good condition so check for wear and tear and replace any life jackets that are damaged.
As reported by the Lifesaving Society, 80 percent of victims in boating-related drownings were not wearing life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFD). “Many boaters feel false security because they are strong swimmers or because there is a lifejacket within reach,” alerts their website, “But trying to put a lifejacket on before you capsize, or while in the water, is like trying to buckle your seatbelt right before your car crashes – it’s impossible.”
2. Conduct Pre-departure Checks
Before you set sail, be sure to inspect the boat’s engine and fuel levels. Make sure there are fire extinguishers and flares on board. You also want check that the boat’s navigation lights are completely functional and that its first aid kit is fully stocked. By conducting pre-departure checks, you’ll either prevent potential issues or be ready in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.
BOATERexam.com insists that you create a pre-departure checklist before every journey on the water. Included on your list should be those aforementioned life jackets, sound-producing devices, lights, distress signals, documentation, fire extinguishers, tools and spares, fuel and oil, bilges and a float plan.
3. Insist Upon a Sober Skipper
We get it. Summertime equals party time. It seems like fun to bring alcoholic beverages on board your summer cruises. However, it’s imperative that the operator of your boat is fully attentive and coordinated. The captain must stay sober, no different than if he or she was driving a car. Remember, of course, that alcohol impairs your judgment, balance and reaction times. Be sure to designate a sober skipper before you set sail.
According to MyBoatCard.com, alcohol consumption is one of the top three factors that lead to recreational boating deaths in Canada. Not wearing a life jacket and poor weather conditions are the other two. “Roughly 40% of individuals who were fatally injured in a recreational boating-related incident had consumed alcohol,” reports the website.
4. Take a First Aid Training Course
Preparation is the key to saving lives on the water. At SOS First Aid, we offer a Standard First Aid course that helps you respond to emergencies at home, work or anywhere medical emergencies can occur. We also offer an Emergency First Aid course that provides simple First Aid & CPR techniques in an interactive environment. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-844-9813. You may also email us at: [email protected].
