PointSAR Marine Rescue has issued a safety reminder for boaters as the busy summer boating season continues.
The volunteer unit of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering tips for boaters should their vessels become disabled.
PointSAR said not every mechanical breakdown is a life-threatening emergency, but a disabled vessel can quickly become dangerous due to wind, waves, currents, commercial shipping traffic, or proximity to shore.
"If your boat becomes disabled, the most important thing is to stay calm and think about your safety first," said Unit Leader Greg Grimes in a news release. "A mechanical problem can quickly become much more serious if your vessel begins drifting into hazards or shipping traffic."
In the event your vessel becomes disabled, PointSAR is has the following safety tips:
If it is safe to do so, deploy your anchor to prevent the vessel from drifting.
Ensure everyone on board immediately puts on a properly fitted personal flotation device.
Contact the Canadian Coast Guard using VHF Channel 16 or *16 from a cellphone (where available). A VHF radio remains the preferred method because nearby vessels can hear your call and may be able to assist immediately.
When calling the Coast Guard for a disabled vessel that is not in immediate danger, clearly identify yourself and your situation. A simple message such as: "Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, this is recreational vessel [vessel name]. We are disabled and require assistance. We are not in distress. Our position is..." will provide Marine Communications and Traffic Services with the information needed to begin coordinating assistance.
Know your location. Record your GPS coordinates or identify nearby landmarks and provide that information to the Coast Guard.
Remain with your vessel unless doing so becomes unsafe. A boat is generally much easier for rescuers to locate than a person in the water.
"The words you use matter," said Grimes. "Telling the Coast Guard that you're disabled but not in distress allows them to coordinate the appropriate response. If the situation changes and lives are in danger, don't hesitate to declare a MAYDAY on VHF Channel 16. We'd much rather respond early than have a routine breakdown become a tragedy."
PointSAR Marine Rescue serves the St. Clair River and lower Lake Huron.
