All Great Fishing Stories Begin with Boat Safety

Mar 8, 2023

Your first fishing trip is always an exciting experience. You learn about the equipment, how to bait a hook, cast your first line, and hopefully reel in that big catch! Some may even go out on a boat to show off their skills as a master fisherman. While fishing trips are meant to be fun, learning how to boat safely is important whether you are eight or 80. Coming home safely after a successful trip and telling your stories is how this hobby is passed down to each generation. Here are a few helpful reminders on how to be safe while out on the water:

Life jackets, life jackets, life jackets 
Bringing life jackets seems common sense, but they are often the most forgotten piece of safe boating and fishing equipment. It is not enough to bring them along; you must always wear them while on the boat to be effective. Accidents may be rare, but they occur, and when they do, they happen too fast to find and put on a life jacket. While a life jacket is the simplest, most important safety equipment on your boat, it is also the law. You are required by law to have a life jacket or personal floatation device on board for each passenger on the boat.

Be neat, be tidy, and bring a buddy 
My father’s rule was to get out on the water fishing at 5 a.m. sharp. If we were not out unhooking that dock line and shoving off at 5 a.m., we would miss the biggest fish in the lake. Our safe boating and fishing routine included ensuring that the boat was tidy, keeping lines coiled, nets stashed but handy, our tackle boxes ready but out of the way, and checking livewells, baitwell lines, and drains. Heading out on the water is always best if you have someone to share the experience with, but it is also good in an emergency.

Boat licensing, education and training, insurance 
All operators of motorized boats in Canada need a Transport Canada Accredited Pleasure Craft Operator Card; this can also be an opportunity to increase your knowledge of the safe operation and navigation of a craft operating in our beautiful country’s waters. Cowan Insurance Group and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron (CPS) have partnered to ensure our clients have the right coverage and safety knowledge to come home from each fishing trip with nothing but great memories. CPS has been educating boaters for over 80 years, and there is no better place to educate yourself in whatever boating mastery you wish to achieve. Contact CPS at https://www.cps-ecp.ca/ to learn more. 

Cowan has been operating in Canada for nearly 100 years, providing Canadians with the best insurance options, including home, auto, marine, and commercial insurance. Please contact Cowan at https://www.cowangroup.ca/ to learn how we can help protect you while on the water.

Cowan has partnered with CPS to provide exclusive coverage to members.

Boat Insurance 
• Get a 15% discount on boat insurance
• 10% decrease in policy deductible for every claim-free year, up to 50%
• Coverage available for southern cruises
• 12-month navigation – No lay-up period required

Visit:
https://www.cowangroup.ca/home/programs-and-associations/cps-ecp/

Dave Brueckner, Sales Consultant, Personal Lines, Cowan Insurance Group 
T: 519.650.6363 M: 226-894-8952 | dave.brueckner@cowangroup.ca