Ontario Pre-Launch Safety Checklist

Before leaving home

A safer launch starts in the driveway. Most preventable ramp problems happen because the crew discovers a missing item only after the trailer is already in line.

• Confirm drain plug, battery, fuel, lines, anchor, paddles, lights, whistle or sound signal, and a charged phone or radio.
• Check that each person has a properly sized PFD available and easy to reach.
• Send a float plan with ramp, route, passenger count, and expected return time.

At the ramp

Use the staging area before blocking the launch lane. Load gear, remove transom straps, confirm the plug, and brief passengers before backing down.

• Check wind, sky, water level, and ramp surface before committing.
• Keep children away from the ramp lane, trailer path, and dock edge.
• Abort or switch ramps when conditions do not match the boat, crew, or operator experience.

After retrieval

The trip is not done at the dock. Pull clear, secure the boat, check lights, drain water where required, and make notes for the next launch.