No. H045/04 For release July 30, 2004 OTTAWA -Throughout the summer, millions of people enjoy recreational boating on Canada's waterways. However, each season, too many of us lose a loved one in a boating accident which, in many cases, could have been prevented. Before setting out on the water, Transport Canada reminds you to stay safe with the following safety tips: Be prepared Before you head out on the water, take a few minutes to check the marine weather report and inspect your boat to ensure the engine and equipment are in good working order. Make sure that the boat has enough fuel for the trip and someone knows where you are going and when you plan on returning. Always wear a life-jacket Approximately 90 per cent of all drowning victims in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a life-jacket or personal flotation device. There should be a life-jacket for every person on the boat. They must be Canadian-approved and of an appropriate size for each person. Don't forget to make sure your children wear theirs as well. Don't cruise with booze Mixing boating and drinking is dangerous and against the law. At least 40 per cent of all power boating fatality victims had a blood alcohol level above the legal driving limit. Slow down Speeding causes collisions, injuries, wake damage to other boats, and shoreline erosion. Always operate your boat at a safe speed. Share waterways Exercise caution when boating in a commercial waterway. For safety's sake, keep a good distance from large vessels - they can't always see you and they can't stop quickly. Schedule a Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check During the courtesy check, which is offered free of charge, an examiner will board your vessel and review with you the safety equipment required by law. The examiner will also inspect the other equipment you have and identify any deficiencies. To schedule a courtesy check of your vessel, contact the Office of Boating Safety in your area. Take a boating safety course Transport Canada strongly recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. These courses provide training that will help you stay safe on the water. Topics include the minimum safety equipment required on your boat, the Canadian Aids to Navigation system, applicable regulations, and how to respond to emergency situations. For a list of course providers near you, visit the Office of Boating Safety website. For more information on boating safety, check out the Office of Boating Safety's website at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca, call Transport Canada's Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687, or send us an email at obs-bsn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. -30- Contact: Marie-Josée Dubois Communications Transport Canada (613) 993-0055 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
