Try Boating on the Canada Day Weekend - And win a life jacket!
After renting a cottage last year and in anticipation of more made in Canada cottage adventures in the future, my husband thought it would be a good idea to take the Boaters Exam so we can rent a boat next time. With the Canada Day long weekend coming up, and the great weather we've been having, this would also be a fantastic time to go boating. You must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate any powered boat. What's great though, is that once you have the card, it's good for a lifetime. My husband used Boaterexam.com - taking the three hour, in-class course where the exam follows at the end and you get a temporary card right there if you pass.
Once you have the card you are ready to rent (or maybe even purchase) a boat. Please remember that everyone must be wearing a life jacket at all times while on a pleasure craft. Not having a life jacket will cost you $250 (each) if you’re stopped by a police marine patrol - but even more important is your safety. A good Canadian-made life jacket you can pick up is one from Buy Canadian First member - Salus Marine.
Abacus Sail adult life vest - Salus Marine
Many other pieces of equipment are required to be on a powered boat at all times, such as a sound-signalling device, a hand-bailer or manual pump, a buoyant heaving line and more. If the police stop your boat for a safety check you could be fined up to $200 for each piece of missing equipment. Boats can be rented for as little as one hour or as long as seven days or more, depending on what you are looking to do and how much you are willing to spend. Renting a boat is not cheap. Depending on the marina you are renting a boat from, you may have the option of having the boat delivered to where you are staying or, if the marina is on the same lake you wish to use the boat, you can pick the boat up there. While there is still some confusion on the subject, it's possible that you may not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to rent a boat. Sometimes you just have to fill out a rental boat safety checklist. Check with your marina on the subject before assuming anything, though.
If you plan on doing some fishing while on the boat, remember that your province may require you to carry a fishing licence. Don't forget some Canadian made fishing lures, too, such as those made by Buy Canadian First member, Lucky Strike.
To celebrate Canada Day and safe boating, we are giving away a Salus Marine life jacket (made in Canada, of course!) with a retail value of over $ 125.00!
How can you get your hands on that beauty? Simple, each of the following actions will give you one chance, so the more the merrier!
1) Like us on Facebook and leave a comment mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';
2) Follow us on Twitter or DM us mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';
3) Leave a comment below telling us what's your favourite thing made in Canada.
The winner will be picked at random the day before Canada Day. Good luck!
by Stacey Kazmir
Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First Members Salus Marine and Lucky Strike.
