Boating safety: Tips for a safe summer on the water

With summer finally here, it's time to think about safely enjoying outdoor activities.

John Lubar, area director for DFO in western Newfoundland and southern Labrador, told CBC Radio's Corner Brook Morning Show a few tips about staying safe while out on the water.

1. Always have enough PFDs (personal floatation devices) on board for every passenger.

This is also the number one tip from Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide, which states: "Remember that the best protection you can give yourself on the water is to always wear your lifejacket or your PFD."​

2. Operate at a safe speed.

This tip comes from Lubar's time in the naval reserve. He added that a safe speed can mean different things in different situations. "A safe speed on a calm, sunny day is a lot different from a safe speed when it's foggy or dark and you can't see where you're going."

3. Check the tide, weather and wind forecasts.

4. Never operate a vessel while impaired.

"For the same reason that you want to operate motor vehicles in a safe way and not be impaired, the same goes true for boats which can travel at high speeds and can cause a lot of damage if you get into an accident," Lubar said.

5. Let someone know when and where you're going, and when you expect to return.

6. Have proper signaling devices and lighting onboard.

7 Download the free "Safe Boating Guide" from Transport Canada's website.

This pdf file has a lof of useful information, including the safety equipment needed for different types and sizes of vessels.