Boating safety on Okanagan Lake is important to us. We are proud to be located in one of the most beautiful regions of British Columbia and surrounded by a number of picturesque lakes. With the number of boats and vessels taking to the water each year, we feel it is important to ensure everyone is equipped with the tools required to be as safe as possible.

Looking to learn more about boating safety? We’ve got you covered!

Boating Safety Tips

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Boating Safety 101 Course

Kelowna Yacht Club is offering a new Boating Safety 101 course that is open to anyone over the age of 13.

Click here to learn more!

Boating Safety Tips


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Boating Safety 101

Registration now closed for Boating Safety 101 course!

Going out on the water requires basic boating safety knowledge and a good understanding of the “rules of the road” for Canadian waterways. That is why everyone who operates a motorized pleasure craft must carry proof of competency (PCOC) on board. This includes all types of motorized boats, no matter the size or horsepower of the engine.

The KYC Boating Safety 101 course will provide you with valuable information for safe boating, getting you comfortable to be out on the water. This course includes attaining your Boating License – Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC), a 1-hour online virtual orientation class, and 3-hours practical on the water session for you to practice what you learned with an experienced instructor on a KYC boat. You do not have to obtain your PCOC prior to the on-water training, you are welcome to begin working through the online component before and we will provide your pre-payment code after your on water training.

Already have your PCOC? Great! You can skip the PCOC aspect and book your virtual orientation class and on-water training session right away. Please note, proof of PCOC will be required prior to any on-water training. — no longer have theory session, or need PCOC prior to taking course.

Ages: 13 +
Dates: Classes Start May 2025

Have questions about this course or looking for a custom booking for you and your family? Contact the KYC Boating Safety Team at boatingsafety@kelownayachtclub.com or 250-762-3310 Ext.102.

See you Spring 2025!

Join the 2025 Interest List – Be informed when dates open in spring 2025!

The instructors are patient, fun and we felt very safe on the boat/water and when we got off, very accomplished! Overall this experience was above and beyond what we expected, and we can't thank you enough for the knowledge, time and confidence you have given to us!

- Kristie & Ali (2021)

Thanks so much - the course was a lot of fun, and the instruction was amazing.

- Robyn (2021)

Thanks for a fun evening on the water, its has been too long!  Great to have a refresh from an expert.  See you on the water!

- Nick (2021)

Thanks so much for your great and enthusiastic instruction! We learned a lot and enjoyed the safety course.

- Gary & Anita (2021)

The whole experience was amazing and I am feeling much more confident about boating and safety. The instructor was amazing, showing us all kinds of great things including how to dock the boat. Her patience and knowledge were greatly appreciated!

- Ruth (2021)

I really enjoyed the course. Can't wait to be out on the water on our new boat!

- Angela (2021)

THANK YOU for the wonderful experience my daughter Ali and I had tonight during our Boating 101 Safety Training. We were very impressed our instructor, she was calm, professional, and so great at explaining things to us. The instructor made us feel confident, relaxed and informed for the on-water/boat training. She had a wonderful presence and taught us "inexperienced" boaters so we didn't feel intimidated at all.

- Kristie & Ali (2021)