Staff
Long, hot summer days are perfect for outdoor recreational activities such as boating.
According to the Life Saving Society of Canada, on average, 140 Canadians drown in boating incidents each year. More than 80 percent are men and more than 90 percent are not wearing life jackets.
When you’re travelling in a vehicle, you wear your seatbelt because you know you won’t have time to put it on in an accident. So when you’re in a vessel, think about your life jacket the same way. It won’t work if you don’t wear it.
Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) offer these tips for safe boating:
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Always wear a life jacket.
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Leave the alcohol on shore. Alcohol and boating don’t mix.
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Check the forecast. Return to shore immediately if bad weather approaches.
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Obey all warning signs and buoys. “Stay Clear, Stay Safe”
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Operate power boats responsibly. Use appropriate speed, especially when the water is choppy.
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Stay seated. You can easily fall out of a small powerboat, canoe or kayak.
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Be prepared. Ensure your vessel has the required safety gear on board and sufficient fuel.
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Carry a VHF radio or cell phone with you when on the water.
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Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
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Get trained. Learn how to survive an unexpected fall into the water.
For more information, visit www.lifesavingsociety.com.
