BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

If your boat has run aground, take the following actions:

STEP 1:

Ensure that your passengers (guests) are accounted for, are not in any danger, and that everyone is wearing a life jacket or PFD.

STEP 2:

Immediately shift your motor to neutral.

STEP 3:

Determine if there are other boats in the area that can offer help, and signal your need for assistance using a recognized distress signal.

STEP 4:

Check for any rising water, or damage to the hull.

STEP 5:

If the hull is undamaged, determine if it’s possible to dislodge your boat from the obstruction by:

• Lightening the weight of the boat, by removing equipment and passengers (guests)
• Pushing the boat off of the obstruction
• Carefully using the reverse thrust of the engine to free the boat from the obstruction, but don’t rev the engine! You’ll run the risk of damaging your rudder or propeller, or sucking sand into the engine.