The ice is still on our lakes but now is a good time to be sure your boat is properly outfitted to go  into the water. Following is a Transport Canada list of mandatory safety equipment. Be aware that the police will issue fines for failure to have this equipment, including stand up paddle boards.

Motorized Craft up to 6meters in length (19ft 8in):

• An appropriately sized Canadian – approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket for each person on board
• A buoyant heaving line (15meters in length)
• Manual Propelling device (e.g.  Paddle) or an anchor with at least 15 meters of rope, cable or chain
• Bailer or Hand Pump
• Sound signaling device (e.g. air horn or whistle)
• Class 5BC fire extinguisher
• Navigation lights if used between sunset and sunrise or periods of reduced visibility (mist or rain)
• A waterproof flashlight or 3 Canadian approved flares
• A vessel license if a motor of 10hp or more

 Canoes and Kayaks:

• An appropriately sized Canadian -approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket for each person on board
• Sound signaling device (e.g. air horn or whistle)
• Bailer or pump (Exception: pleasure or water craft that cannot hold enough water to make it capsize or watertight compartments that are sealed and not readily accessible. E.g. sit on kayak, inflatable kayak)
• Navigation light if paddling at night
• If craft is more than 6 meters long, watertight flashlight

 Stand Up Paddle Board:

• An appropriately sized Canadian -approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket
• Sound signaling device (e.g. air horn or whistle)
• A buoyant heaving line (15meters in length) if not wearing a PFD
  (In simple terms wear a lifejacket with a whistle and you are fine)

RLCA will again be placing speed buoys in key areas of our lakes this year.  Please obey the suggested speeds and you will protect yourself, your neighbours and your boat.