Ang, Mike, Steve Bates (our salesman) and I spent a lovely Friday down at Nathan Phillips square as part of the Safe Boating Awareness week held in Toronto. Good friend Ted Rankin gave us the invite and we instantly were there. We had a great day talking with people and giving them our take on boating safety or just fishing in general.

We brought along some Rocket Fishing Rods for the kids to try (the adults always seem to want to use it more), some Shakespeare spincast outfits as well as some DVD’s and Powerbaits to hand out. Everyone that stopped by seemed genuinely interested in all aspects of boating.

Our main focus that day though was bringing awareness to the public as to how alcohol affects people on the water. With the help of 3 sets of “Beer Goggles” provided by MADD, we were able to simulate the different stages of coordination (actually lack of) with certain amounts of alcohol in a persons system. The goggles went from moderate to plastered (up to 2.0).

Without exception, everyone that tried the goggles realized quickly that being behind the wheel of a boat (or any vehicle) while under the influence is not an option. No one could walk a straight line perfectly and about 90% completely missed on “hi-five” attempts. We even had people try to cast into a series of Hula Hoops and they were brutal with the google-eyes on! Host Rena Heer from CP24 (donning the heaviest glasses) not only staggered severely to the casting area but shot a power cast out that would have killed any fish within spitting distance. 5 feet out and 90 miles an hour straight down!

We actually had a blast with the goggles and the crowd seemed to love it as well.

This was a great day which really seemed to catch the interest in the general public on a very serious subject.

Thanks to all who stopped by.