Here are some useful links offering safety advice. Follow these steps before you go out on the water.
LOOK FIRST
Plan ahead. Pay attention to weather and marine conditions:
Weather and Wind
• Environment Canada weather
• Georgia Straight marine forecast
• Environment Canada pressure slope patterns (good for predicting winds)
• Wind temperature and webcams
• Windsurfing, kiteboarding and kayaking weather & info
Tides and Currents
• Vancouver area tide and current predictor
• Canadian Hydrographic Services tide, current and water levels
• Fisheries and Oceans tide, current, and water levels
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times:
Information on lifejackets and PFDs
WEAR THE GEAR
Dress appropriately and bring the recommended safety equipment before leaving the shore:
• Red Cross recommended safety gear
• Transport Canada emergency communications and safety equipment
GET TRAINED
Training improves your technical ability and knowledge to make smart choices on the water:
Skills Development
• Canadian Yachting Association
• Red Cross Swim Programs
• Rowing Canada
• Canadian Masters Windsurfing Association
• Paddle Canada
Safety Knowledge
• Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety
• Red Cross Boating Safety
• Red Cross information on cold water/ hypothermia
• Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons
