GBA Update Spring 2024

which is all good news. It’s important to note that receiving an impaired charge while operating a vessel will also impact your driver’s license. What Next? Wearing a life jacket is the easiest way to make boating safer. Let’s all take this simple step for our own safety. Eighty three per cent of water-related deaths occur due to sudden immersion caused by falling overboard or capsizing. It’s extremely difficult to grab and put on a life jacket if you fall in the water. Self-rescue or even staying afloat in the water requires a lot of strength, stamina, and a clear head. This is even more difficult when you are unexpectedly dumped into the water and in a state of surprise or shock. And who knows how long you might be in the water before help arrives? The Canadian Safe Boating Council and Transport Canada are researching the physical reaction of a person when they are unexpectedly thrown into the water, called the Shock Factor. They conducted the research with 80 subjects, including OPP Marine Coordinator Sgt. Dave Moffatt. The study found that even when people know they will be thrown into the water, their ventilation still spikes. When Sgt. Moffatt was thrown into cold water (16 degrees), his ventilation jumped by 110 per cent; when he was thrown into warm water (32 degrees), his ventilation jumped by a surprising 180 per cent. This spike in ventilation is called the GASP reflex, which can be dangerous. If you inhale water while gasping, you are at high risk of drowning, regardless of your swimming ability. To avoid this risk, it is recommended that you wear a life jacket. Our waterways are becoming increasingly busy. While laws are in place, it is also essential to prioritize safety, common

≥ Keep your distance and don’t follow too close or cut too close to vessels or land. ≥ Know what's behind you before slowing down or turning, and manage blind spots by slowing down if you can't see what's there. ≥ Within 30 metres of shore, there is a 10 km/h speed limit everywhere except rivers < 100 metres wide or marked channels. ≥ Be aware of your wakes, as you are legally responsible. ≥ Know the rules of the water and always do your best to avoid a collision, even if you have the right of way.

Did You Know? ≥ It’s the law to have a PFD within easy reach of everyone while underway in a pleasure craft. ≥ Having inflatable PFDs in your boat and within reach does not count. safety regulations and avoid fines. They are comfortable - just wear them. (Note: prohibited for personal watercraft Inflatables must be worn to comply with

Make Good Decisions ≥ Wear your life jacket ≥ Respect the water and weather ≥ Don’t cruise with booze or drugs ≥ Plan ahead and share your plan ≥ Be properly equipped ≥ Be cold water aware ≥ Get passengers engaged

≥ Be a better boater ≥ Download a Safe Boating Guide:

operators or those under 16/36.3 kg)

bit.ly/safeboatingguide

sense, and courtesy. Let's collaborate to create a safer and more pleasant Bay experience. Please keep in mind the following safety tips while boating: ≥ Avoid complacency. Driving a boat is actually more difficult than driving a car. There are no delineated lanes, signs or light signals to guide you. And no brakes. Be extra alert and attentive while on the water. ≥ Be alert and avoid distractions from devices or passengers. Pay attention to what's happening around you, as a lot is happening in and around the water. Monitor your surroundings 360 degrees.

www.georgianbay.ca

GBA UPDATE Spring 2024

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