This Victoria Day holiday weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer boating season on the Great Lakes and throughout Ontario.
Provincial and federal agencies are prepared to deal with whatever emergency should come up on the water and that includes the Canadian Coast Guard.
Commanding Officer Terry Simcox (of Coast Guard station in Goderich) says there’s no concrete rule on the amount of safety gear you should carry with you on the water.
Simcox says the necessity varies with the size of the vessel and that he always refers boaters to the Boat Safety Guide published by Transport Canada.
Simcox says a relatively small investment can help save your life through reduced response time by the Coast Guard if you find yourself in difficulty.
He says a relatively inexpensive hand-held VHF marine band radio can help you let others know you need help.
Simcox says a small GPS unit along with a VHF radio can make a big difference.
Simcox says the GPS provides the Coast Guard with your position immediately so they can take a straight-line course once you’ve contacted them by radio.
Simcox says there are measures you can take to make sure you’re comfortable and alert if you’re on the water for an extended period of time.
Simcox says it’s always a good idea to bring along a small tarp for protection from the elements.
He advises to bring a small bag with warm clothing items and to pack some chocolate bars and granola bars to give you energy while waiting for help.
The Coast Guard Goderich rescue station responds to emergencies along 160-kilometres of the Lake Huron shore from Southampton to Sarnia and across Georgian Bay.