Five Watersport Safety Tips You May Not Know

While it’s common knowledge to know the rules of the road and have all of the mandatory onboard safety equipment, here are a few added tips to further enhance safety on the water this season.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Watersports are popular in many boating destinations across Canada and the Okanagan is one of them. Calm conditions, deep water and wide-open spaces all provide the perfect conditions. However, be sure to follow these five sensible – and important – suggestions to make the most out of your next day on the water.

1. The Driver Drives the Boat: The Spotter Watches the Rider

It’s always exciting to watch a buddy land a “toe-side back roll with a frontside 360,” but what lies ahead on the water is a little more important. Swimmers, paddleboarders, and oncoming vessels are all part of a busy lake. Remember that the driver drives the boat – period – and simply listens to the directions from the spotter, informing the driver of speed adjustments, if the rider has fallen, etc. The driver needs to be very attentive of what lays ahead in front of the boat. Let the spotter advise on what happens behind it.

2. Know Your Lake

Shallow water, rocky shoals and underwater obstructions are all common with any given lake. It’s best to scout out an ideal location before hand and set a large perimeter of where the rider is taken on a run. Establishing an area is also an indicator for other boaters to yield to or stay clear from in the area. When enjoying watersports from a dock, learn about fluctuating water levels every season, and never run parallel to shore in shallow water. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, simply visit the local marina or ask local boaters where the best place is to go for the day.

3. Tubing Safety

Tubing is perhaps one of the most popular pastimes enjoyed on the water as it is fast, exhilarating, and plenty of fun with two or three other riders. Yet, as much of the control is in the driver’s hands, common sense and judgement all play key roles in everyone’s safety. In fact, according to the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) some important facts to understand include:

  • Never exceed more than 32 km/h (20 mph)
  • Follow the warning labels on the inflatable and tow rope.
  • The tube can slowly deflate due to the heat of the sun or temperature of the water.
  • Use a tube-specific tow rope rated for the appropriate number of riders.
  • Inspect the tow rope connection point before use. If the inflatable separates from the boat during a turn, it can be sent on an uncontrolled path.
  • An inflatable should never get any closer than twice the rope length to shore, other boats or obstacles.
  • Drivers must understand the inflatable’s trajectory as it can travel at a wide arc and high speed (sometimes more than the boat) during turns or whipping.

4. Entering the Boat and Water

The aspects of getting in and out of the water or retrieving a fallen rider may seem straight forward, yet it does require some important safety measures. When entering the water from the boat (or vice versa), rule number one is to always shut off the engine when the rider is near the boat. Remember, even when the engine is in neutral, the prop(s) still spins and can potentially cause injury. It’s always wise to wait a few seconds for the prop to completely stop. Always use the swim platform or boarding ladder to get in or out (and never resort to the outdrive or outboard).

Additionally, a spotter must always confirm the location of the rider in the water before or after a run and the driver should approach fallen riders on the driver’s side to maintain a clear view of their location. Never back up to them.

5. Be Neighbourly, Courteous and Safe

Ask most cottagers along the waterfront about noise disturbance from wakeboarders, skiers or tubers and they will have a story to share. The WSIA recommends staying at least 45 metres (150 ft) from shore as it’s not only courteous to residents, but it’s safer for swimmers, other boaters, and paddle boarders. It also limits disturbing wakes.

Additionally, music is commonly enjoyed among enthusiasts and all to often it helps pump up the action. Yet, if the latest Pearl Jam release can be heard at 30 km/h (18 mph) 20 m (70 ft.) behind the boat over the constant running of the engine, it can most likely be heard by local cottagers or other moored boats relaxing peacefully. For those enjoying watersports from a dock, be to sure plan a course away from shore and keep passes along the shoreline to a minimum.

For more information on Rules of the Road, navigation and additional boating safety be sure to visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety at www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm where you can also download its mobile app on your smartphone.

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