The dog days of summer are here and there’s no better way to enjoy precious summer days than on the water with your family – including your pup! Just as we have safety tips to keep humans safe, there are protocols to ensure your dog’s safety on the water. We’ve put together a list of tips to help your dog stay safe while boating:
Check Local Laws
Before your dog even jumps on board, be sure to review laws pertaining to boating with pets for the province, state, or country you’re in or may be traveling to. If you plan to cross into international waters, be sure to have the appropriate paperwork available should you be stopped along the way. Review US Boating Regulations and/or Canadian Boating Regulations
Start Slow
For your pup’s first time aboard your boat, allow plenty of time for them to get acclimated to the movement of the boat, the surface of the cockpit/deck, and the space itself. Keep initial outings shorter until your pet gets more comfortable. Remember, it may take some time for your pet to get used to normal passenger events like waterskiing, wakeboarding or fishing. Be sure to reinforce learning new experiences with lots of treats.
Getting On and Off
While it’s easier to carry small breeds on board, it’s a bit more difficult for larger breeds. You may wish to invest in a ramp or ladder to make it easier for your pet to get on and off the boat without injury. Using plenty of treats, make sure you practice using the ramp or ladder on dry land so when the time comes to actually use the ramp to board, your pet is already comfortable.
Pack the Right Supplies
When boating with your dog, you’ll want to be sure you have a few extra items on your packing list.
Choose the Right PFD
Wearing a life jacket is the single most important thing anyone, including your dog, can do to help themselves be safer on the water. A life jacket will protect them from harm if they should fall overboard. When shopping for your pup’s life jacket be sure to properly fit the life vest based on weight and specific measurements. Watch how to measure your dog for a life jacket. Important features of your pet’s life jacket should include the following:
Potty Training
If you plan on taking longer day trips, you may want to consider potty training your pooch. Place pee pads, artificial grass or Fresh Patch in a designated spot aboard your boat and teach your dog to use this area. Teaching your dog to potty on cue can be done quickly and easily. Once ashore, be sure to dispose of soiled items in a proper waste disposal area and NOT in the water.
A special thank you to Campion owners who submitted photos of their pups! With a little preparation and patience, boating is just one more way you can strengthen the bond with your furry family member and spend quality time together on the water. For more information on Campion Boats, please contact your local dealer.
We’re waving goodbye to winter and saying a warm hello to spring. As the weather warms up, so does our excitement about getting our boats back onto the water. Before you head out for a day of fun, there are some important precautions you must remember to take so you and your guests can remain safe.
Every boater takes boater safety very seriously. Just like you check your engine, belts and the working order of your boat, you should also prepare the proper safety equipment. Planning ahead to make sure you have the recommended safety gear is critical.
Be sure to make a checklist of supplies you’ll need so you can be ready in case of an emergency. We’ve collected a few important items to add to your list of “must-have” safety items which you can review below.
Each person on your boat should have an approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket. It’s a simple precaution, but extremely important. Using a lifejacket can save you from unforeseen circumstances on the water. It’s not a bad idea to have several sizes of lifejackets available so it can be sized appropriately for the person who will be wearing the jacket.
How to Choose PFDs (life jackets)
If you’ve been boating for a while, you know that sudden storms can wreak havoc. Having a bailing device on board your boat will save you the headache, and panic, if your boat begins to fill with water.
Click here for bailing device regulations.
Another helpful tool during storms or any situation with reduced visibility is a sound-signaling device. If two power-driven vessels are within half a mile from each other, they must use a sound signal. You can use a whistle, compressed gas horn, or an electric horn.
Fire extinguishers are not required on all motorboats but are necessary on inboard motorboats, fixed fuel tank boats, and any fuel burning unit. While it may not be required for your type of boat, it’s still highly recommended to have one onboard. We recommend a Class 5BC Fire Extinguisher.
It may go without saying but having a complete first aid kit on board will be an asset to any boating trip, even if it is just peace-of-mind. Click here to purchase an Aquatic First Aid Kit.
It is required that boats carry a waterproof flashlight or three Canadian-approved flares. In the event of an emergency, it’s important to have a device that will allow you to give a signal in order to be seen and rescued.
The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to use a VHF-FM radio. This radio can be used for distress calling. The VHF-FM radio has superior reach and is a safer bet than cell phones while on the water.
The Canadian Red Cross and Boat US Foundation have comprehensive lists for boating requirements.
Before heading to the water, make sure you have all the necessary safety items in your boat in case of an emergency. It’s also important to inspect your safety gear periodically to make sure it is in good working order. We hope you have an enjoyable and safe boating experience this season!
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