Canadian Yachting October 2021 - 41

STRETCHING THE BOAT SEASON INTO THE
SPECTACULAR FALL SEASON
- ARTICLE COURTESY OF THE CANADIAN SAFE BOATING COUNCIL
If one of your annual post Labour Day rituals is to hitch up
your boat and put it away for the winter, you're missing out
on a spectacular fall boating season.
While swimming and watersports may lose their lustre as
the water temperature cools, taking in the fall colours of the
shoreline from the water is nothing short of breathtaking.
Pristine anchorages, normally clogged during July and August
with hundreds of boats, now offer quiet solitude. And for
          
the long winter freeze-over.
        
         ers
in the immediate vicinity should you require assistance.
Consider these precautions to maximize your safety and
enjoyment as you stretch your boating season.
Before heading out, be sure to check the weather forecast.
The mixing of warm and cold air can quickly spawn high
winds and waves making it treacherous for small boats.
Fog, too, is an issue at this time of year making visibility
           
proceed slowly and sound your horn at regular intervals to
alert other boaters of your presence.
Well into October, daytime temperatures can occasionally
be balmy but resist the urge to bring your shorts and T-shirt
back out of the closet. Dressing for the water temperature
will help slow the onset of hypothermia should the unex
       
Accidental cold water immersion can be shocking but don't
panic. It may take a minute or so to get your breathing under
control after the initial shock but you will have at least 10
to 15 minutes, even in very cold water, to affect self-rescue
before you will start to lose muscle control in your arms and
        
or inherently buoyant, is an essential part of your wardrobe
   
           
shore who will know what to do if you're overdue. A marine
radio or cell phone will allow you to call for assistance
should the need arise. Having a few tools and spare parts
          
otherwise cause you to be stranded out on the water.
Ensure that your boat and engine are in good shape and
mechanically sound. Ethanol-based fuel can allow water
contamination in the tank. Use a fuel additive to prevent
water in the fuel line from freezing that could cause your
engine to chug to a halt. If using portable fuel tanks, it's a
good idea to have a spare on board as a reserve.
As you head out, be wary of reduced water levels that can
result after a long, hot and dry summer season. Some of your
        
this time of year. Also, while underway, keep a sharp lookout
for debris and chunks of ice that could penetrate your boat's
hull at speed.
Don't be afraid to indulge in the splendour and peaceful
solitude that fall boating has to offer. Just keep in mind
these few tips and prepare to build memories that will last
until the spring thaw.
For more tips on boating safely both early and late in the
season, visit CSBC's SmartBoater.ca 
CANADIANYACHTING.CA
41

http://www.SmartBoater.ca http://www.CANADIANYACHTING.CA

Canadian Yachting October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting October 2021