Safe Boating Tips – Do’s & Don’ts
Protecting Our Water Ways & Keeping You Safe is our First Priority
Operators must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Cars
Follow all safety instructions given by Yachtsea Team!
Be courteous to other people and watercrafts on the lake.
All rentals depend on weather conditions and may be rescheduled at any time. Bad weather can make it unsafe to be on the water.
All yachts are fully licensed, and complete with captain and crew aboard.
Wear a lifejacket: it saves lives
By law, all boats must have enough properly fitted lifejackets or personal flotation devices for adults & kids on board. The lifejackets or personal flotation devices must be approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada or any combination of those organizations.
Absolutely NO SHOES on boat, remove before entering mandatory
Where are the life jackets? Ask the Captain/First mate
Where is the fire extinguisher? Ask the Captain/First mate
Competency test: A must have if you’re operating a motorized pleasure craft.
No matter what type of body of water you are on, you must have a certain number of basic skills to ensure that you stay safe and have fun while operating your recreational Watercraft. On September 15, 2009, it became mandatory for all operators of motorized pleasure crafts to be certified. Transport Canada recommends that all recreational boaters take a boat-safety certification course in order to obtain their pleasure-craft license.
Can You Drink on a Boat If You’re Only a Passenger?
Passengers on boats in Ontario are allowed to consume alcohol, but only a small amount as they still have to be below the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 80 mg per 100 ml (0.08%).
Passengers are prohibited from consuming alcohol while the boat is in motion and can only consume alcohol on the boat if:
- The boat has a cooking and sleeping area
- There is a standalone washroom on the boat (a portable mobile toilet does not count)
- The boat is moored to the dock or is at anchor.
- No Red Wine
1. ALL beverages are to be in plastic cups at all times, with the exception of plastic water bottles.
2. While the boat is in motion, smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Think of it like a car – it’s against the law to have open liquor while you’re driving. Once we are anchored, please feel free to drink.
3. The smoking area is located at the back of the boat, where the swimming platform is located. Once we are anchored, please feel free to smoke at the back.
4. There are window hatches on the front bow of the boat. Please refrain from standing on them, or else you may fall through the windows, and nobody wants that!
5. Please do not flush toilet paper down the toilet. The plumbing on all boats is quite small, and a big wad of toilet paper can clog the toilet. So, to discard of toilet paper, please use the trash bins provided.
At the end of the charter, if you’re as happy as we know you will be, we greatly appreciate tips, but they are not mandatory.
Don’t Swim in a Marina
Never swim in a marina or other areas where boats are connected to shore power. Stray power in the water can create an electric shock hazard.
Stay Clear of the Engine
Drivers should be aware of the boat’s engine cut-off switch lanyard at all times. Keep watch around the propeller area when people are in the water. Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engines are on—or idling. Take extra precautions near boats towing skiers or tubers.
Never Jump from a Moving Boat
Passengers should never participate in boat jumping. Instead, wait to exit the boat once the captain has announced that the boat’s engine is off, and the boat is at a standstill. Jumping from a moving boat is extremely dangerous and can result in severe injury or death. Always exercise caution and adhere to proper procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
Man Over Board
If someone falls overboard, immediately: sound the alarm, turn bow in the direction of the person overboard, stop engines, throw a buoyant object to assist the person and mark the position. Assign one person to constantly keep the person in the water in sight. Manoeuvre the vessel carefully to pick the person up. Be careful when pulling the person in – many would-be rescuers have been dragged into the water by the person in distress.
While the boat is in motion, everyone do your best to stay seated. If someone should fall overboard, keep your eyes on them, don’t look away, point at them and yell “MAN OVERBOARD!” then allow the Captain to deal with the situation.
Are there ways to prevent motion sickness on the water?
Yes. Prevention is always the best option, when possible. Some options include:
- Use your environment: Try looking at the horizon, if you’re at sea, or another stationary object or fixture.
- Avoid reading.
- Where you sit matters. If you’re on a boat, avoid the upper levels the bow(front) or the Cabin.
- Alternative methods like hard ginger candy, P6 acupressure, Gravol ginger and motion sickness & travel wristbands (one brand is Sea-Bands) can work well. Available for purchase at www.yachtsea.ca
- If you have a history of severe motion sickness symptoms, it’s best to take medication one hour before your trip.
Pick Up & Drop Off Location
Ash Bridges Bay Boat Launch 1561 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto ON M4L3W6
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The renter agrees to use all provided equipment, including the boat/Yacht, Jet ski, Jet Car, Jet Packs, all of Island Canada Products, PFD (life vest), flashlight, ropes, anchor, and safety flares/whistle (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “equipment”), solely for personal entertainment, prioritizing safety above all else and in compliance with the following rules:
Renter and renter’s guests shall adhere to all federal, Ontario, Canada, and local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations governing the use and operation of the watercraft equipment and shall comply with directives from Yachtsea Inc., emergency, or law enforcement personnel while operating the equipment.
Bookings must be made through our website, phone, or email using a Valid Credit Card or E-mail transfer. ID may be required to validate credit card.
Timely pickup and drop-off are mandatory; failure to adhere to scheduled times can result in losing your deposits, depending on circumstances without refund.
Operators of all watercrafts must be over 16 years of age, or possess a Valid Driver’s License, and obtain a PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD or temporary day pass filled out prior to booking. Similar requirements apply to Jet Ski operators. Alternatively, licensed captains are available for an additional cost.
Delivery/Pick-up costs are separate from listed rental fees if the location differs from our launch sites in Downtown Toronto area.
A Damage Deposit is required for all rentals, payable via credit card, E-transfer, or cash before the booking begins. The deposit covers potential damages and is refundable after an inspection upon return.
The cardholder must be present to sign off for all charges and the Rental Agreement.
Customers are liable for any repairs necessitated by damage caused to the rented equipment.
Specific safety protocols must be observed, including refraining from dangling legs off the sides of the boat/Yacht while in motion and ensuring all doors are securely closed before starting the engine.
Designation of a capable and sober lookout is mandatory during water activities.
Consumption of intoxicants while operating the watercraft equipment is strictly prohibited.
Any malfunctions or defects must be promptly reported to Yachtsea team.
Pets are not allowed on the boat/Yacht without prior payment of a $50 fee per pet.
All equipment must be returned in good working condition, with any losses reported and compensated for at market value.
Littering from the boat/Yacht or jet ski or watercrafts is prohibited, and trash must be securely contained and properly disposed of.
Only the renter or licensed individuals are authorized to operate the watercraft equipment.
The renter grants Yachtsea Inc. the right to charge their credit card for any damages incurred during the rental period, with the agreement not to dispute such charges.
In the event of a declined credit card, the renter agrees to reimburse Yachsea Inc. for any damages and associated costs.
Cancellation policies apply, with refunds issued according to the specified terms.
Yachtsea Inc. reserves the right to cancel or reschedule reservations due to inclement weather or policy violations.
Arriving punctually for safety training and orientation is essential, as late arrivals may result in reduced rental time without compensation.
Prohibited uses of the Boat/Yacht or Jet Ski or watercrafts include participating in races, carrying hazardous substances, towing other watercraft, exceeding capacity limits, and operating recklessly or unlawfully.
The rules and regulations are in place for the safety of all users, and the renter assumes responsibility for ensuring compliance by themselves and their guests.
Thank You