Spotting and avoiding choppy water requires reading surface reflections, wind patterns, and bottom contours. Watch for sudden color changes indicating shallow sandbars, surface ripples caused by opposing currents or wind, and areas of high boat traffic that generate chaotic wakes. Have you ever noticed that…
Operating your boat while impaired is a federal criminal offense in Canada, and it comes with penalties similar to drinking and driving. It's typically illegal to consume alcohol on a boat that's underway, and if you're convicted, that can mean heavy fines, criminal records, and…
The boat operator must always stay sober. However, passengers can usually drink alcohol on a boat. BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is a severe federal and state crime. If you drive a boat with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) that hits 0.08% or higher, you…
National Boating Safety Week, from May 16-22, 2026, in the U.S. and in Canada, is designed to promote awareness of boating safety measures to reduce accidents on the water. We don't share these statistics to scare you but rather to make you aware of the…
The type of life jacket you need depends on your activity and water conditions. Canoeing typically requires a Type III or Type V PFD for mobility and comfort while paddling, while general boating may require Type I, II, or III life jackets depending on water…
