Pointe au Baril is a beautiful boater’s playground filled with inlets, coves, big open waters, islands and shoals to explore. We see a wide variety of boats on our waters including kayaks, canoes, sailboats, power boats, cruisers, speed boats and personal watercraft.
We all realize the importance of safe and responsible boating. It is fairly simple to PASS the Pleasure Craft Operators Exam … However, it is a different thing altogether to be a GOOD BOAT DRIVER.
I have polled quite a few people in the past weeks to get their input and feedback on this important topic. I have also read a lot of the information that is written by various Boating Associations such as the GBA, Transport Canada and the OPP.
In today’s article I want to focus on boating at night. In future articles, I will address the importance of alcohol and driving a boat, right of way, being aware of your wake, distracted driving and wearing life jackets that are the proper size/type (and any other issues that you would like to learn about)
BOATING AT NIGHT
- Always make sure your running lights are working properly.
- Lights must be turned on AT DUSK.
- I have heard many complaints this summer about boats out at dusk with no lights on.
- Turn off stereos and please don’t even think of wearing headphones!
- It is always a good idea to post a lookout person – the use of an extra pair of eyes is invaluable.
- SLOW DOWN! This may seem obvious, but we have all seen or heard boats roaring along at highway speeds in the dark Ahead of you could be a log, a shoal, or, God forbid, a boat with no lights. Slowing down allows you to have more reaction time and makes night driving calmer and safer.
How to discern the direction of other boats at night:
Lights are located at the bow and stern of the boat and are meant to indicate to other vessels which way they are headed towards you.
- If you see RED and white lights, it is coming on your right and you must give way.
- If you see GREEN and white, it means It is coming on your left and you have the right of way.
- If you see both red and green , it means boat is coming head on!
- If you see white only lights, it is the stern and signifies that a boat is ahead of you. Be careful not to approach too fast – ensure that the other driver is aware you are approaching.
- Don’t flash lights or spotlights directly at other boats – you will only blind their vision and disorient them.
Let’s make it our mission to work together to make our beloved Pointe au Baril safer and quieter to ensure the enjoyment of our treasure-shared resource.