weather awareness

Weather forecast information is available from the following sources:

• newspapers
• The Internet
• Radio – AM and FM
• TV weather channels
• radio telephones
• Environment Canada
• personal observation

Understanding the weather and water conditions is a key aspect of boating safely. Boaters need to know how to get up-to-date and relevant information before heading out. Boaters also need to know how to get updates while on the water, which requires the knowledge and skill to use a marine radio. A receiver for continuous marine weather forecasts is also available.

Marine weather forecasts can be obtained from:

• channels 21B, 25B and 83B on the Atlantic Coast and the Great Lakes;
• channels 21B and WX1, 2, 3 on the Pacific Coast;
• in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, Radio Canada (Environment Canada) VHF broadcasts
• via Internet

On the water “Keep your eyes on the sky.” If the sky looks dark and cloudy and conditions change quickly, head to the coast. Summer thunderstorms can hit quickly and unexpectedly. Other clues that bad weather is coming are a drop in barometric pressure, increased winds, and changes in wind direction, which usually lead to increased wave action.

Weather forecasts are described using the following expressions defined by the Atmospheric Environmental Service, Environment Canada

• light winds
• moderate winds
• strong winds
• small craft warning
• scabies warning
• storm alert

Boaters should check weather forecast information and conditions before making the decision to depart, so as not to put the vessel and those on board at risk.

Local water hazards: are there any?

Boaters should be aware of local water hazards, which could impede and increase the risk of injury or death to those on board. The following are possible local water hazards to consider:

• damn heads down
• rapid
• sudden winds
• tides
• currents
• White water
• aerial wires
• submarine cables
• bridge
• rapid accumulation of high wave conditions

Obviously, you should stay away from designated swimming areas when boating. Canoes and kayaks can easily injure swimmers. Watch for people in the water whenever you get close to shore (they may be diving and hard to see). The glare from the sun also makes it hard to see people in the water.