With so many lakes and rivers, Canadians are avid boaters.
Canoes, kayaks, motorboats, houseboats - there are so many ways to
enjoy the water. But when approximately 26% of drownings each year
occur during boating activities, it's important to know the key
things that keep you safe. Make sure you check out our Boating Safety Tips.
Boating safety facts
- All powercraft boaters are required by law to carry a Personal
Craft Operator Card (PCO).
- In 80% of boating deaths, boaters are not wearing
lifejackets.
- Alcohol consumption is a factor in most boating deaths and
accidents.
- Drinking and driving your boat can result in losing your
driver's licence.
Key boating safety tips
- Wear a lifejacket! Most boating fatalities occur when not
wearing lifejacket.
- Lifejackets aren't one size fits all - check for proper
fit.
- Most drownings occur within 15 metres of shore - wearing a
lifejacket alone can save your life.
- Don't drink and drive your boat - it impairs judgment and you
could lose your licence.
- Carry a safety kit, including a cell phone, and check the
weather.
Learn to Swim
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any
meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. The Lifesaving
Society offers training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
Our Swim for
Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop
solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water
Smart® education that will last a lifetime.
Swim to
Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. Swim
to Survive is not a subsititute for swimming lessons; instead, it defines the
minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep
water. People of all ages should be able to perform the Society's
Swim to Survive standard.