Greg shares safety tips and best practices for getting out on the water in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: This COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way a lot of people live. Everybody has a story, no question about that. But one of the positives coming out of COVID is more and more people are getting outside more and more. They're buying bicycles, they're buying kayaks, and they're buying boats to take out to the lake for a little leisure time on the weekends, or while they're on vacation.
And Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance has seen the evidence. Greg you've got people coming in, buying licenses and getting their boats insured these days.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct Rob. And you know it's great to see for the economy. People are buying new boats, and they're buying used boats. But the biggest thing when rookie boaters get out there, you really have a few things that you should really take notice of.
First and foremost, you should check the weather before you hit the water because you never know with weather changes, and getting out in the water. And you don't want to get a surprise out there, especially as a new boater.
The biggest thing is getting on and off the boat ramp quickly as possible. So you're best to load your boat with what you're going to take before you back down there. And the other thing is if you haven't spent a lot of time backing up a trailer, go find an empty parking lot up by the mall or wherever, and practice backing up so you get a bit of an experience before.
The other thing, make sure you dress in layers and that you have everything so that you're prepared for any weather condition changes. And when you're bringing your boat in, go slow when docking because if you rush, you can either damage your boat, the dock or another boat. And if you aren't going to get it the first time, don't be too proud. Back away and start again.
Any valuables like cellphones, keys, wallets, they should be stored and secured away so they won't get wet or lost. Just let somebody know on shore where you're going to be, and when you're expected to get back so that if you do have problems, they know where they can go for the items.
Great advice is always wear a life jacket, because the vast majority of boating related deaths occur when victims were not wearing a life jacket. So it's easy to do, and it could save your life or the life of a loved one.
Remember that you are responsible for your wake and any damages caused to another boat from your wake, whether they're parked, or whether they're tied up in the middle of the lake. I know I've seen this happen time and time again. People just aren't courteous and they're not aware of the wake that they're causing. And if you are out wakeboarding, go away from any other boats. They're great to enjoy but just be wary of other people out there.
As well, have an on-board first aid kit. When you are on the water, you just can't run to the doctor's office if you do suffer any injury. Be prepared to treat yourself until you get back to the land.
As well, great idea is to have a tool box, Rob, just in the event that you do have a mechanical problem with boating. That way, you can possibly fix it yourself.
The other thing is, again, please don't drink and boat. The two just don't mix at all. I know that the police will be out in full force and if you are found over .08 it's same as operating a motor vehicle.
The other thing as far as before you go, just make sure that you inspect all your hoses. And make sure that they are inspected on a regular basis so there's no vapors. And as well, keep your bilges going and check the wiring. And as well if you do have a cabin, make sure you do have a smoke detector. And as well, you should also always have fire extinguishers on-board.
So just a few tips for the new boaters out there.
Rob: We can discuss this with you, or you can find these tips online as well.
Greg: You certainly can. You can go online and they are all downloaded there. And if you'd like, come down and see any of our fine people here at the corner of 1st and Fairford, and we'd be more than happy to give you a copy of this.
Rob: They take the hassle out of buying insurance, guaranteed at Heritage Insurance in downtown Moose Jaw.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)