No. H068/10
For release - May 28, 2010
OTTAWA — Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird today celebrated North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2010 with an announcement of just under $500,000 for 12 projects under Transport Canada’s Boating Safety Class Contribution Program.
“Safe Boating Awareness Week marks the beginning of the boating season across the country,” said Baird. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to remind all Canadians who are planning on boating that simple measures like wearing a life-jacket can prevent needless tragedies.”
This year’s recipients of the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program are:
- Life Saving Society — National
- Canadian Safe Boating Council
- Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving
- Dalhousie University
- Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association
- Ontario Marine Operators Association
- Kayak Newfoundland and Labrador
- Conseil québécois du nautisme
- Life Saving Society — Quebec
- Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot
Baird also reminded Canadians of the following tips to stay safe on the water:
- Always ensure that you and your guests wear a life-jacket that fits properly.
- If you are operating a motorized boat, carry proof of competency on board at all times.
- Take a boating safety course.
- Carry the required safety equipment for your boat such as paddles, a bailer, flashlight, buoyant line, anchor, etc.
- Keep clear of swimmers, divers and other boats.
- Navigate your boat on the correct side of the buoy.
- Wear proper clothing and check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Do not drink and boat.
If you are a boater, diver, angler, hunter or water sports enthusiast, there are rules and information you should be aware of before heading out on the water. For the latest information on how to stay safe on Canadian waters, visit www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.
North American Safe Boating Awareness Week runs from May 22 to 28. For more information, please visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council’s website at www.csbc.ca.
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Contacts:
James Kusie
Director, Issues Management and
Parliamentary Affairs
Office of Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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