Many Nova Scotians are pulling their boats out of storage this long weekend. This year, boating is going to look and operate a little differently than years previous due to COVID-19.
Whether your cruising the waterfront of Halifax Harbour, or St. Peter’s Canal in Cape Breton, Transport Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia have set out a list of regulations that must be followed for the safety of everyone.
What You Need To Know
Transport Canada has set out the following guidelines:
Only take people from your immediate household on your boat with you.
- No family members who don’t live in your house with you
- No boating buddies
- No other guests
When preparing to leave shore and on the water, try and keep a distance of two arm lengths from other boats and people who don’t live in your household. This length is approximately
- 1/2 canoe
- 1 fishing rod
- 1 1/2 wakeboards
If social distancing is going to be difficult, a face mask is encouraged. Transport Canada also discourages lending your equipment to others.
The Province of Nova Scotia has recently permitted the opening of boating and sailing clubs for the purpose of getting your boat ready for the season. Marinas and common areas are closed.