Boater and Water Safety Checklist - What you need to bring and know to ensure safe and enjoyable time on the water.

Given the recent drowning at Wasaga Beach I wanted to write a post about what, in my opinion, you should bring with you on the water to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.  But more than that, playing in Element h20 is about preparedness and the right mindset as well as the right gear.  Some things are required by law, but to really be safe and get the most out of it you need more.  Below is my guide for more than just what to bring but to being prepared for sailing and waterspouts in general.  Enjoy:

• PFD / Life Jacket.  A Personal Flotation Device could make the difference between life and death.  Make sure it is officially approved.  Approved PFDs are designed to keep you floating on your back and alive.  Choose one that is bright and easy to spot in the water should the need ever arise.  Some have reflective tape which is very visible to night time search lights.  A boat went missing near where I live and there were helicopters and rescue boats shining search lights everywhere, reflective tape can be seen for miles.  I'm not a fan of inflating jackets as the sports I do often have me in the water and the PFD helps.  I also like ones with zippered pockets and loops to tie things on.  Here's what I like to attach to a life jacket or keep in the pockets:
• • Whistle.  Tie it on with as string thats long enough to reach your mouth.
  • Dry Pocket for cell phone thats touch screen compatible, car keys and spare money in case you get stranded far from where you launched.
  • Marine radio for off shore adventures, charged and ready to go.
  • A blinking strobe light.
  • Knife.  Being caught and tangled in lines and ropes can be scary and dangerous.  Olympic sailors have died from this.  A knife is one of those things you hope you never need to sue but if you ever do get tangled up it can make the difference between life and death.  In general always keep a neat and clutter free environment and be aware to know where the rope is and not get any wrapped around you.  Also never wrap rope or lines around your hand, fingers or any part of your body while on water.  If it gets powered up or under load it is an accident waiting to happen.
• Wet Suit - or clothing suited to the wind and water temperatures.  In motorcycling they say dress for the slide not the ride - which essentially means be prepared for the worst.  In boating same thing.  high performance dinghies and catamarans like the kind we carry are dynamic, immersive and wet experiences.
• Footwear.  Even of you have on a wet suit, not having neoprene socks or booties can make you cold, ruin your day and cut your adventure short.  Theres a lot going on in those old rigid boats (less so in these inflatables) and toes are very delicate - I'm just saying...
• Gloves.  Rope can dig into your skin, especially when wet, gloves helps save the day and preserve the experience not to mention keep you warm.
• Hat.  Keep cool by dunking your hat regularly.  Full brim is ideal as it will provide shade all around your neck.  Hats and shorts have spa rating and let sun UV through.
• SunScreen.  Forget tanning and sun-worshiping, the sun is your enemy.  You will need to re-apply, trust me.  Zinc, coconut oil and organic options abound if you don't like the regular kind.  Apply sunscreen to your head and scalp and you will notice the difference in your well being and performance.  If you do get burned I find nothing beats coconut oil or aloe vera plus lidocaine.
• Sunglasses.  Polarized helps to cut glare.
• Jacket.  Breathable waterproof is best but at minimum use something to block the wind.  Wetsuits are great in the water but not as effective outside the water and in the wind.
• Hydration.  And I don't mean alcohol.  Alcohol will dehydrate you and impair judgement and has no place in a dynamic sailing or waterspouts environment.  I mean WATER.  And maybe something like a gatorade or electrolyte drink.  Don't just buy a bottle of water.  These float away in a capsize and are bad for the environment.  Buy a re-useable bottle that you can clip on or tie onto the boat somewhere.  Kiteboarder should use a camelback or other hydration backpack.  They are non-obtrusive and easy use with a straw right within reach of your mouth.  Kite sessions can be 2 or more hours and thats a long time to go in the hot sun without a drink.  And if something happens and you need to self rescue you could be facing a 2 hour swim.  Having some water could give mean the difference between life and death, trust me on this one.
• Dry Bag - attach it to the boat so you don't lose it and keep things energy bars and snacks in it.
  • Dont forget a first aid kit or personal items like epi-pens or insulin kits of you need them.  I like to have my boater bag ready and prepped in a gym bag with everything I need so there is no fuss made when I get to the water.
• On Your Boat you should have:
  • Tow rope / docking rope.
  • A throw line - in case someone goes overboard.  50' is good with a float and weight on the end so you can throw it.  And make sure one end is tied onto the boat.
  • A Bailer!  Not just a sponge.
  • An Anchor.​  Sometimes it's nice to anchor somewhere and dive in for a swim.  Our boats are easy to climb back on but never dive off a boat without being sure you can get back in!  Also make sure the tiller is locked to the side and the sails are de-powered or in irons so it does not get away form you should the anchor become dislodged.
  • Extra rope or shock cord and carabineers come in so handy I use them everywhere.  For example i tie shock cord to an oar or paddle and clip it on to the boat - the clips help for fast release, setup, cleanup etc, and the cord lets me use the oar while attached so should it drop or float away in a capsize it won't get lost. 
  • Spare whistle or other signalling devices.  Flares for off shore cruising.
  • Lights.  What if you get stuck at night?  You need proper lighting.
  • I use a little knapsack or gym bag and clip it on somewhere. and have all this gear in there.  Plus I put all garbage and wrappers in there and throw them out when on shore.  Wrappers will float or blow away if not on a zippered pocket.
  • Radio - are you going for a few days?  Bring a radio so you can check the forecast.
  • Batteries - in a dry sack or 3 zip lock bags one inside the other to ensure dryness.  You should check the batteries in your radio and flashlights regularly but having some batteries on hand just in case is smart.
  • A Paddle or two - Wind dies or engine dies you need a way to navigate and propel your boat.
  • Boater Safety Kit - Many stores offer a quick and inexpensive boater safety kit with whistle, light and rope all in a container that can be used as a bailer.  It meets all requirements for everything you should have with the exception of a paddle.  I have one of these in my day sailing bag as a backup and as a quick way to know I'm legally covered (except for the paddle).
  • Compass or GPS is essential for cruising, not so much for day sailing within sight of shore.
• Handy Spare Parts and Accessories:
  • Wind Flag or other indicators.  I like to tie yarn or magnetic tape to my shrouds, length and weight makes a big difference, too heavy, too short or too long and it will not fly true in light wind.  Some boats like Tiwal's or Lasers do not use shrouds and have slip on sail - for these you can buy a wind indicator that straps on to the base of the mast and is really handy.  Some boats such as MiniCat's and X-Cat's can have top of the mast wind flags.  Wind here tends to be cleaner but it is sometimes harder to see especially with the sun.
  • Tell-Tales.  If your sail does not come with tell-tales you can easily buy a kit and put some on yourself.  Tell tales will help you get that try just right and optimize laminar air flow.
  • Electric Inflation Pump - A manual pump gives a good workout but I like to preserve my energy for sailing, kiting and Paddling.  Plus it saves time and can be more compact to carry than a manual pump and has a pressure gauge so you get it just right every time.  The best are portable rechargeable with backup connectors for car lighter sockets and home plugs.  Be careful though because you want to make sure the pump is two stage and does high volume/low pressure and High Pressure/Low Volume.  Also read the instructions because pumps tend to have continuous operating time restrictions and overheat easily.
  • A beach dolley makes bringing your Sailboat, Kayak or SUP to an from the water easy for solo adventuring and helps extend the life of your product by minimizing dragging.  Buy one specifically designed for your gear as they do not really work otherwise.
  • Boat Cover.  If you have a cottage or are camping and can keep your boat and gear rigged then why not, that way you can just use it right away.  Our products are UV Resistant but a cover will help extend their life and keep the surface cleaner and free of tree sap and other debris.
  • A front trampoline.  If you own a catamaran, a front trampoline is a great accessory to give you additional space to store more gear and make your sailing area cleaner.
  • Backup Engine. Some sailboats, kayaks and even SUPs have options to attach a gas or electric motor.  This can be handy if the wind dies down or if you want to use your craft in another manner.
  • Rope and Shock Cord!
  • Carabiners and Speed Clips and a couple of pins or cleats that may be common to your boat.
  • A maintenance kit with Towel and Windex to clean and dry your waterspouts [roduct at the end of a session.
  • A D-Ring and Glue Kit - I like to add extra D-Rings to an inflatable boat to give me more tie down points to attach things like rope, bags, water bottles.
  • Waterproof radio.  I personally like the sound of wind and waves and take a break from music and media.  But if you like your session to have a soundtrack then there are lots of great waterproof speakers out there.  Get one that is fully waterproof and has rope attachment points.
  • Cameras, Go-Pros.  These are awesome for making some memorable videos you can watch during the off season or share with your social network.  For best results move them to different spots regularly and pull out a long selfie stick or attach to the end of a paddle for the occasional shot.  I always forget my camera which is a shame because Ive missed capturing some amazing moments.  Also, now they have drones and cameras that can be rigged on land that follow you!  Just make sure your drone is waterproof!
  • Smaller or Bigger Sail.  Some boats can accommodate different sizes of sails.  Having a quiver of sails will expand the useable wind range of your sailboat so you can go out on days you normally would not have.
  • Wind meters can be helpful to know what size sail or kite to rig.  There's even apps that can measure wind based on microphone sound but having never used one myself I don't know how well they work.
  • Roof racks and cargo boxes can be a handy way to transport your gear without taking up in car space.
  • Hyrdo-phobic coatings.  Some people coat their hulls with environmentally safe super water repelling coatings to squeeze every last drop of speed out of their boats.
  • Mast Floats - Help prevent turtling and make righting easier.  There is a technique to righting a turtled catamaran that is very unique but can take time.  One sailing spots have a lot of hazards.  To reduce righting time and prevent turtling mast floats are essential in these environments.
  • Down wind sails.  No boat travels well down wind without a special sail like a Genoa or Spinnaker.
  • Kites.  Some people launch their kite form their Kayak for a unique sailing experience.
  • Backup Floats.  Training wheels for SUPs that provide additional stability.  Some kayak's have these as well and they are really handy for tippy conditions or larger riders.
  • Bumpers.  Rigid boats damage easily so padding and bumpers can help protect your investment even if they do look like a boat diaper.
  • Hyrdo Foils - whether for boats, SUPs, engines, kite boards or surf boards, will add another level to your on water experience.  But these are relatively new and still on the expensive side.
  • Beach Chair, umbrella, beach tent and portable hammock.  Not all your time is on the water, so be prepared when you get to shore.  You  will need some shade and nothing beats a nap in a portable hammock that you can tie around some trees!
  • Harness and Trapeze Wires for boats that have this option there is nothing quite like hanging out over the edge.
  • GPS, WOO and Tracking App - Some people like to track and log how many miles they put in on the water or how fast they go or in the case of "Woo" how high they jump.  This prolongs the fun between session when you are home staring at a computer screen.
• Be Prepared.
  • Check the forecast before you go out.  It's amazing how different the weather report is from source to source.  I check a few sources and ask colleagues.  Some spots have specific wind hazards.  In Toronto NW winds are very dangerous and should be avoided.
  • Local weather inspection.  Use your eyes and learn a little about cloud formations and weather patterns because what you see might be different than what is reported.  Ive seen storms come from no where.  When in doubt stay close to your launch point and be ready to come in.  If you get caught dont be afraid to land at the nearest point for safety.
  • Water check.  Wind isn't the only thing you should check.  Some beaches, especially those near large cities, have high contaminant levels.  Some web sites offer water quality reports.  Water quality tends to be very bad after a rain.  That said I have swam in, skinny dipped, sailed, windsurfed and kited Cherry beach in Toronto for years and have never have any rashes or issues.  Sometimes there is certain algae or other natural substance more than contaminants that can cause skin irritation.
  • Pre-Flight Check.  Develop a pre-flight checklist/routine.  For example, check that plus are secured in rigid boats, check that tiller is toed down, make sure ropes are neatly wrapped and stowed yet easy to reach in the event they are needed, etc.  Perform all checks before untieing from the dock.  Kiters, when you ask someone to launch you make sure you tell them not let go until yo give thumbs up.  Check that your lines are not tangled before launching.  Hook indoor safety leash first!
  • Know your spot.  If something does happen and you need to call 911, can you tell them exactly where you are?  Giving them precise directions so they can find you could make all the difference.  What if you get stranded on a spit or island, do you know how to find your way back?  I know people that have been stranded on Leslie Spit or Toronto island and had to find their way back which took more than two hours in their wet suit and with no monet for cab fare...
  • Know yourself.  Sailing, Kiting and other water sports can be strenuous.  Are you ready?  Did you eat?  If you are not up to the challenge skip it and do it another day.
  • Know your crew.  Are they ready and prepared to sail?  I always bring some extra gear, water and snacks because my crew typically doesn't have the same level of experience and at some point someone brought some water for me...
  • Know your limits.  Sailing in high wind can be fun but work up to it gradually and build experience.  Jumping in before you are ready can be dangerous.  Theres a lot going on and things go bad fast.  Waves are also a lot bigger and everything can be more difficult.  I can't tell you how many people Ive had to reduce over the years that just were too anxious and watching everyone else and not ready for the conditions.  And worse were not even able to recognize it.
  • Know your boat.  Are their any repairs you should have made but now that there is wind you want to jump out onto the lake... if your boat is not ready dont go out ... make those repairs asap so you are ready for when the wind blows.
  • Know your equipment.  New radio but haven't tested it yet.... Being stuck on the water is not the time to learn.  test it and learn it before hand.  Kiters, you should practice using your safety systems and your self rescue technique, it could save your life during a real emergency.  Know how to right your boat in the event of a capsize ... Know how to right your turtled catamaran!
  • Off season training.  If you participate in extreme sailing, kiting etc... you need to be in shape. Dont take the winter off and then when the big spring winds come out expect to go full force.  You need to do some pre-season training.
  • Stretching.  I like to stretch before I surf, kite, sail etc... or warm up a bit.  These sports are not gentle cruising.  Sailing is the original extreme sport.
  • Bathroom Breaks.  Go before you go (out on the water).  Stop for breaks as needed, its not safe to hold it in.  
• Dogs on Boats:  Remember even though dogs can swim you don't know what their endurance is or if they get afraid.  Don't forget a life jacket for your faithful pet.  And plenty of water, some food and shade.  Being in a boat can mean being out in the sun.
  • Also be aware that dogs cannot climb into a boat easily and you may need to lift them in.  Even better have a ramp or some other method they can climb in themselves if possible.  That's one of the great features of Takacat's that have open bows.  They are really easy for dogs (and humans) to climb in and out of even on the water yet still provide a dry boating experience.
• Be respectful.  Of the environment, of others and of yourself.  We may have evolved from water but it is no longer our native habitat.  Respect the element h20 it is more powerful than you can imagine.  A cubic meter of water is a metric tonne.  That means a small 3 foot wave crashing on you at the shore can easily dislocate a shoulder or worse.  Respect the wind and the waves and the water.  When in doubt dont go out.  Build your knowledge and skills over time, dont rush.  Gradually work your way up.
• Be vigilant.  Being on the water is like driving a motorcycle on a highway... you have to be vigilant.  Watch out for oncoming traffic.  Know your right of way rules and avoids collisions if the other boater is not as aware of them.  There are lots of different types of traffic on the water, can you identify when a kiteboarder is on a starboard tack?
• Be focused.  Taking pictures and video is great but be in the moment.  Don't get caught up in a conversation or taking selfies if you are approaching rocks.  Make sure the boat is safe and in control at all times.  Ive seen many people just get lost in telling a story and lose control of the boat.  Driving is first, all else is second.  Don't be afraid to enjoy the silence or the sound of the wind and the water.  Not every situation needs music blaring to make it fun.  This isn't a dance club and there is plenty going on all around to keep you engaged and entertained.
• Be observant.  Expand your circle of awareness.  Look around and identify dangerous areas.  Notice how wind and water currents affect the boat.  stay away from areas with rocky shores and turbulent wind patterns.  Watch and learn form others on the water both good and bad.  When you are a novice your focus will be within a few feet of yourself.  As you get better this radius grows outwards and you will be able to spot ripples on the water a fair distance off and know what is coming and how it will affect your boat.  Work to expand this circle of awareness.
• Learn.  Use your time on the water effectively.  Add something new you wish to learn to each session.  Practice recovery or other scenarios.  Mentally debrief what you learned each session.  mentally prepare for what you want to learn with each new session.  Watch videos or read books when off the water.  take courses.  Talk to others.  Don't blindly trust others either.  Maybe they are mistaken so fact check.  Develop your own skills and judgement and use strong analytical and decision making skills to evaluate situations.  You will not be an expert at first and you will become better over time.  Learning and improving is one of the best facets of water sports.  Learn from your mistakes and experiences.  Everyone has bad luck or mistakes, dont make them twice and dont beat yourself up about them too much.  Learn to swim or become a better swimmer.  Ask others to train with you.  Work on drills or other techniques.  Having a support boat along side in case something goes wrong is helpful.  Ask someone to mentor you.
• Stay Strong.  Some people panic and become emotional on the water.  Stay calm no matter what happens. getting upset or panicking will not help you.  Ive had many experiences with people that become emotional or start crying (men also not just women) or panic.  When yo are on the water you need to block these emotions and stay focused on surfing any bad situations.  Ive seen storms come seemingly out of nowhere and people get very upset.  You need to be prepared and focused on your performance.  Being strong also means asking for help when you need it.  If you have a broken rudder you can rudderless sail (you should be able to and you should practice) or you can call for help.  Its always best to call for help if its there.
• Be helpful.  The one things that makes water safe is each other  Recognize when others are in need and offer help even if they didn't ask for it.  And if they did ask for it -- it is your duty to help!  Screw the race, id some is in trouble, help them!  Also help teach others without be overbearing or obnoxious.  After all at some point someone showed you something.  Pay it forward and pay it back.  Be kind, rewind, i mean Karma isn't blind.
• Take responsibility.  For your own safety and actions.
• Be in the Moment.
• Be Positive.  Avoid bad situations and negative people.  If you dont have fun with someone dont sail with them... Sometimes partners need breaks form each other and its ok to sail separately.  This is your life and you should enjoy water sports and dont let negative people drag you down.
• Clean Up.  When de-rigging and cleaning up take the time to put everything away properly and make sure it is dry to avoid mould etc... and so you are ready for next time.  make note of anything that needs to be repaired or replaced and do it right away.  Having spare ropes and other gear that tends to wear out quickly is very helpful.  This way you are ready for your next session.  If it is raining when you put your gear away put a note in your phone to dry it out when it is sunny.  Wash your wetsuits regularly.  Kiters it helps to wrap your lines while still attached to the kite to reduce tangles and make setup for next time easier. 
•  Be kind ...to others ...period.  Ive seen a lot of asses and bullies out there especially in situations like races.  Its funny how they always pick on someone smaller, more timid or who will not defend themselves.  All this does is spread negativity.  If someone is mean to you let it go.  Share the joy of sailing and water sports with others, few things are better in life.
• Have fun. Be kind to yourself. When you take the necessary precautions and you are prepared the experience will be fun and keep you coming back for more.

Did I miss anything.  Feel free to add some comments and like this post if you found it helpful.

My name is Ivano Stellato.  I've spent many years on the water and have taken many lifeguard and other safety courses.  I have trained for many years in many sports and built proficiency in Sailing, Kiteboarding, Wind Surfing, Boating and more.  And I still keep learning and developing my skills.  Water can be very dangerous and always respect the elements .  I've seen a lot of weird and stupid things on the water and I've had my fair share of calamities.  Don't get discouraged and build your knowledge and skills to maximize your enjoyment.  Its a lifelong process but worth it!  Playing in element h20 is one of the greatest things you can do in life.