Since we are into the full swing of our season, a few reminders for ourselves, our fellow coaches/instructors and our clubs.

Texting and Driving - we should treat operating a coach boat the same way as driving a car. Period. A distracted operator of a motor boat is a very common thing. Don't text or talk on the phone. While a cell phone is a good safety item to have, keep it in your pocket until you are stopped and the engine is off or in neutral.

Ontario Sailing encourages our clubs and schools to pass this rule immediately! This is the policy of Ontario Sailing for all our coaches, instructors and contract staff.

VHF Radios - we encourage all clubs to have, as part of their Emergency Action Plan (EAP), VHF radios and training for the use of them as part of their day to day operations.

Coaches traveling to regattas must take a radio. This is the only way to communicate effectively with the Race Committee and Safety Officers on the water.

PFDs - They Only Work If You Wear Them! - Ontario Sailing has a policy of mandatory wear of PFDs by our coaching and instructing staff on the water. We ask clubs to pass the same policy.

Kill Cords- wear the kill cord around your leg as this is the only way to shut off the engine if you happen to fall overboard while coaching. It's there for a reason ... Wear It!

Teach Knot Tying - we encourage all clubs to teach knot tying as part of their CANSail curriculum. Checklists are MINIMUM STANDARDS. By teaching such things as a knots, parts of the boat, and sail controls, we will make safer and better sailors.

Call Us! - The Ontario Sailing staff are here to help! Have a question on or off the water, don't hesitate to ask one of our staff.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has great resources for Clubs when hiring young workers. It's the law to make sure you train your staff!   Here is a link to the MOL website section for Young Workers http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/atwork/youngworkers.php

Final Words - Remember to hydrate, wear sunscreen, protect your eyes, get plenty of rest, don't drink and drive and do a safety check of your boat daily!

Beware of Heat Related Stress!

Have a Safe and Healthy Summer!

Glenn Lethbridge
Executive Director, Ontario Sailing 

[email protected]

905-572-7245 or 1-888-672-7245 ext 224
Fax 905-572-6056 or 1-877-677-7275