As the days get longer and the summer approaches, our thoughts turn to relaxing days spent at the lake.  Nothing beats a day spent enjoying the water; whether you’re fishing, wake surfing or cruising the shoreline looking at lake property.  It’s always exciting to get out on the lake for the first boat ride of the season!

It’s a beautiful June day, the forecast is perfect, the yard work is done and the lake is calling your name!  Are you prepared? You don’t want to miss a perfect lake day on the prairies, because we all know mother nature can be stingy with how many you get.  Of course, you remember all the essentials: the cooler filled with snacks and water, fluffy towels, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. However, did you make sure the boat is filled with all the safety equipment, made sure the trailer plates are renewed and your boat is insured? Here are some quick tips and a short checklist to make sure your prepared.

How do I check if my vehicle/trailer is registered?
The easiest way to check this is to log into your MySGI account and look up your registrations or call your local Blocks agencies office. We also have an app as well that you can download and link your MySGI account to it for your convenience. Details here.

Is the boat insured properly?

Great question…did the boat get insured or was that on the “honey do” list. The common misconception is that the boat is insured on the trailer registration. That is not the case. Boats can be insured one of two ways, on your home policy or on a seperate recreation policy. You have the ability to choose the value and the deductible you are comfortable insuring at. If your boat is 10 years old or newer, you may qualify for replacement cost coverage on that boat. You will also want to ask about watercraft liability. This will protect you if you are negligent while operating the watercraft and accidentally injure someone or damage someone’s property. (Hit a floating skier, hit another boat, or run into someone’s dock). Give us a quick call and one of our brokers will confirm you are insured or we can set up a policy for you.

Do you have all the safety equipment?

Here is a quick check list to refer to

• Life jackets or PFD that fit for everyone on the boat
• A buoyant heaving line
• Manual propelling device (oars/paddles)
• An anchor with at least 15 metres of rope
• Bailer or hand pump
• Sound-signalling device
• Navigation lights
• Waterproof flashlight or Flares
  

Other notable items to check:

• Fuel supply
• Tubing, Surfing, Wakeboarding Boards & Ropes
• Fishing Gear, Tackle, Bait
• Cell Phone
• Make sure the plug is installed on the boat before unloading
• Make sure engine is in running condition before unloading
• Keys for the boat (a float attached to the key, would also be smart.)
  

Once all of your safety supplies are loaded onto the boat, check that the weather is suitable for boating. You don’t want to get caught in a torrential windstorm with a 5hp trolling motor. There is a good chance you’re not going to make it back in time for that perfectly grilled steak.