Boat Rental Safety & Requirements

Your lake day should feel easy, but safety comes first. This page explains the main safety and rental requirements for OKGN Boat Rentals captained charters on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, BC. Final approval always happens at the dock and may depend on weather, lake conditions, and guest count.

Captained Charters

Every OKGN rental includes a commercially licensed, Transport Canada SVOP-certified (Small Vessel Operator Proficiency), OKGN-approved captain who runs the boat, so guests never need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to ride as passengers. The captain has final authority over route, watersports, speed, docking, weather calls, and whether a trip should be delayed, shortened, rescheduled, or cancelled for safety.

Before Leaving the Dock

• We review boat operation, safety equipment, emergency steps, local hazards, and weather considerations.
• Guest count must stay within the selected boat's rated capacity.
• Required safety equipment must remain on board and be used as directed.
• Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• Guests who cannot swim are provided with an approved life jacket to wear before boarding.
• The operator and guests must follow Transport Canada rules and all local marina or waterway requirements.

Life Jackets, Alcohol, and Conduct

Life jackets and safety equipment are provided and must be used as directed. Anyone who cannot swim will be given an approved, properly fitted life jacket to wear before boarding, and we strongly recommend non-swimmers and children keep it on at all times on the water. Guests must not participate in watersports while impaired. Unsafe, unlawful, aggressive, or reckless behaviour may end the trip early without refund.

The captain's instructions must be followed at all times, on the dock and on the boat — no exceptions. The captain has final authority over safety, and anyone who refuses to follow their directions may be refused boarding or have the trip ended early without refund.

Weather and Lake Conditions

Weather on Okanagan Lake can change quickly. Wind, smoke, lightning, mechanical issues, poor visibility, or unsafe lake traffic may require us to delay, shorten, reschedule, or cancel a booking. Safety decisions are made by OKGN and the captain on duty.

Watersports

Wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing depend on boat choice, guest ability, conditions, and captain approval. The Sun Tracker Party Barge is best for relaxed cruising, swimming, and social lake days rather than tow sports.

Privacy and Booking Information

We collect booking details so we can confirm your trip, meet safety and insurance requirements, and contact you about weather or availability. Read our Privacy Policy for how we handle personal information under Canadian and British Columbia privacy rules.

Questions

If you are unsure whether your group, operator, or rental plan is suitable, contact us before booking. We can help choose the right boat and safest option for your day.

• Email: info@okgnboatrentals.ca
• Phone: +1 (250) 863-7828

This page summarizes safety expectations for guests and renters. It is not legal advice and does not replace Transport Canada requirements, insurance requirements, signed waivers, rental agreements, or dockside safety briefings.