the beginning of each season everyone should check
their PFD and try it in the water. First put them on
and then enter the water to chest depth and slowly
raise your legs. If they don’t fit snugly and ride up,
readjust or get a better size. If they are ripped or worn
get a new one. PFDs are very difficult to put on once
you are in the water. If you want to see for yourself,
try it in a controlled safe situation. You will soon see
why they are best worn all the time in open boats
while underway.
• If kids are going to operate any powered boat, even
under adult supervision, they must be able to prove
operator competency. Usually this means having a
Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Taking a CPS course
and getting your PCO Card is another great family
activity in the off-season.
• Check the first aid kit and remember the sunscreen,
hats, sunglasses and foul weather gear. Don’t forget
required medications.
• Make sure you have enough food, healthy snacks and
lots to drink so you can all stay hydrated on hot sunny
days.
• Check weather reports and consider postponing the
trip if bad weather is expected. During the trip keep a
watchful eye on the weather and head for shore if the
weather deteriorates.
• Make sure there is enough gas to get there and back.
1/3rd out, 1/3rd back and 1/3rd in reserve.
• Have the kids bring along a few personal items including some simple games that they can play.
• File a Trip Plan. It is recommended that you file a
Trip Plan before every trip no matter how long or
short it is. A Trip Plan, sometimes called a Float Plan
or Sail Plan, is a brief description of your trip, the
proposed route, destinations and timing. It should
include a description of the vessel and identify all the
people on board, contact information and the date and
time of the expected return. Give a copy of the Trip
Plan to a responsible person and instruct them to contact the police and/or your regional Rescue Coordination
Centre if you fail to return at the expected time. For
contact information go to the Transport Canada
Boating Safety web site www.boatingsafety.gc.ca or call
1 800 267 6687. If you are going on a longer trip call
in with a daily position report and report any changes
to the planned route and timing. To avoid an unnecessary and costly search for you, make sure that you
report your return and completion of the trip and
“Close” the Trip Plan. Forgetting to do this can result
in lost time and valuable resources for Search and
Rescue personnel.
The Trip
During the trip involve the kids in reading the charts and
looking for aids to navigation, marker buoys and things
on shore that will help identify where you are. Look for
church steeples, water towers and familiar natural points
of interest. Teach them how to read a compass. Kids have
very keen eyes that can not only spot things of interest
but possible dangers as well.
Post Trip Follow Up
When the trip is over “circle” the vessel and clean up. Note
any necessary repairs and replacements that are required and
set up a schedule to carry them out so that you are ready
for the next trip and have not left any needed activity to the
last minute when you might not be able to accomplish it in
time. Check for any wear and tear, check for leaks, replace
or service any safety items that you have used and try to
leave the vessel in the same condition it was before you left.
Hopefully everyone on board had a great time and they are
already looking forward to your next trip together.
