NORTHERN ONTARIO

Headed out on a paddleboard? Here is what you need to know

Chelsea Papineau CTVNorthernOntario.ca Journalist

Published Wednesday, June 17, 2020 2:53PM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, June 17, 2020 2:56PM EDT

Two kegs of beer weighing roughly 70 pounds each were strapped to a paddleboard and taken down the Courtenay River to Royston in a fundraiser created by local doctor Brad Harris. May 6, 2016. (CTV Vancouver Island)

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SUDBURY -- The combination of warm weather and being cooped up in the house for a long time has many people seeking to spend time outside.

While activities on the water are a great way to cool down, authorities want to make sure you are prepared to avoid tragedy.

Whether you head out on a rigid plastic or inflatable model, these are this is the safety equipment you are expected to bring:

Approved personal flotation device/lifejacket
Sound-signalling device/whistle
15 metres of buoyant heaving line, unless wearing the lifejacket
Navigation lights when using between sunset and sunrise
Magnet compass when using beyond sight of seamarks

Paddle Canada says if you don't have the required safety equipment, you could receive a $200-$500 fine.

Stand-up paddleboards have become popular, but they are also relatively new and are not specifically referenced in transport regulations.

Paddleboards are treated the same as other human-powered pleasure crafts such as canoes and kayaks, however, if you are using it to surf or do yoga, you are not required to carry the safety equipment.