Planning a Cruise with COVID19 Restrictions

Planning A Cruise with COVID 19 Restrictions

The current boating season may be facing similar challenges to that of last season.  With the current numbers and the wide restrictions it may only be feasible to cruise following Canada Day in July.

When planning a cruise you have your own provisions and safety checklists.  Before leaving the dock for distant shores it is important to plan where you want to moor, to call to see if there is a dock or ball available and what the local public health guidelines are in place.

Be sure to pack an adequate supply of masks and hand sanitizer as you may not be able to do so at your planned destination.  Reusable, non surgical, masks can be cleaned and dried however the bulk buy masks will have to be changed and safely discarded if dirty or wet.

As well, you should follow appropriate hygiene practices, including washing hands with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Proper cough and sneeze etiquette should be followed at all times.

Cross-border non-essential travel between the United States and Canada, including travel by pleasure craft, is prohibited.

Emergency responders are working at full capacity to ensure our safety and health. To reduce pressure on these services, including search and rescue services, the following measures should be followed for pleasure craft operators and everyone on board:

• Wear a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD):
  • Lifejackets/PFDs are required by law to be on board for each person on all types of pleasure craft.
  • Wear them at all times when on deck or in the cockpit.
• Ensure your pleasure craft is in good working order and properly equipped before heading out on the water.
• Verify all your safety equipment before departure.
• Verify that your engine(s), bilge pumps and other systems are in good working order.
• Make sure you have enough fuel for the voyage, with a safety reserve.
• Limit the length of your trips as much as possible, departing and returning to the same location and avoiding stops along the way.
• Keep a safe distance to shore at all times.
• Avoid using your pleasure craft during bad weather and extreme temperatures.
• Limit using your pleasure craft to daylight hours.

It is important for everyone on board to avoid any unnecessary contact with others during their trip.

Ensuring safety and health at marinas and boat launches

While preparing to depart or returning from a trip at a marina or boat launch, the following measures are strongly recommended:

• Keep a distance of at least 2 metres as much as possible and avoid using boat ramps and docks while other people are on them.
• Refrain from beaching your boat right next to someone else.
• Avoid sharing your boating or fishing equipment.

Happy Boating, and stay SAFE.

About Smugglers Cove Boat Club

Nestled along the western bank of the Niagara River is a unique boat club, just 2 NM upriver of beautiful and historic Niagara on the Lake.

The Smuggler’s Cove Boat Club (SCBC) is a unique floating club tucked in amongst the picturesque natural beauty of the Niagara Parkway, where it intersects with East-West Line, coming from Highway #55. The private gatehouse lies between the main clubhouse and the dock to shore where wildlife abounds. Once through the gatehouse, which houses men’s and women’s heads and private shower, bulletin board of upcoming activities and items of interest, as well as a workshop and commercial ice machine, the dock leads to a communal clubhouse that is the mainstay hub of many of the social events that our members enjoy. The clubhouse and accompanying deck has full kitchen facilities and multiple propane BBQ’s and a ton of both indoor and outdoor seating where many friendships have been made. We are excited that we will be building a brand new new clubhouse in the fall of 2021! The rest of the complex is made up of walkways and 56 finger docks as well as 18 mooring balls.

We are a welcoming, family oriented club that caters to both sail and power boats. We feel strongly that boating is a wonderful lifestyle that includes water, air and friendships. Because SCBC is a working club we are able to enjoy boating for a fraction of the cost of other clubs, and we get to know and interact with fellow members in a way that deepens our relationships while working toward the common goal of having a well run club. Members are required to put in work hours, working together for the launch of the club in the spring and it’s removal in the fall, as well as other work parties and social events during the year.

For Media Inquiries

Contact SCBC at:

Niagara On The Lake
16001 Niagara River Pkwy,
Niagara On The Lake, ON, L0S 1J0

T: 905-468-3331

info@smugglerscoveboatclub.com