Water and Harbour Safety

Watch the weather

Always check the weather before and during boating. If you feel that there is any risk, don’t go. When the forecast is poor, stay ashore.

All boaters should:

• Assess the weather
• Make a decision before heading out on the water
• Know how to interpret weather changes

Check your local forecast

• Make personal observations of sky and wind
• Check the local forecast in the newspaper, radio or television
• Check the Government of Canada Weather and Weather Network websites
• Tune into VHF Marine Radio Channels

Threatening weather

Sudden changes in wind can cause a rapid buildup of high waves. Many small pleasure crafts are not designed to handle any great amount of wind/waves and can be easily swamped or capsized. 

If the weather is becoming threatening, head for shore and safety as quickly as you can safely do so. Having a marine chart on board will allow you to find in a bay, cove or other sheltered location to weather out a storm or wind and wave conditions beyond your boat's capability.

If you find yourself caught in bad weather out on the water:

• Make sure that everyone wears a PFD
• Slow down and proceed with caution
• Approach waves bow-on at a 45 degree angle
• Keep passengers and load low in the boat to avoid capsizing

Weather forecast terminology

Environment Canada uses some specific terms in marine weather forecasts to provide boaters with information on the expected conditions:

• Light winds: Less than 15 knots (28 km/h) with wave heights up to 1.5 metres
• Moderate winds: In the range of 15 to 19 knots (28 to 35 km/h) with waves of 1 to 3 metres
• Strong winds or small craft warnings: Used to report winds of 20 to 33 knots (37 to 61 km/h) with wave heights of 3 to 6 metres
• Gale warnings: Issued when sustained win speeds are 34 to 47 knots (63 to 87 km/h) and may have waves reaching 6 to 9 metres in height
• Storm warnings: Continuous wind speeds of 48 to 63 knots (89 to 117 km/h) and wave heights exceeding 8 metres