No. H049/12
For release - May 18, 2012
OTTAWA — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today celebrated North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2012 with an announcement of $322,000 for six boating safety awareness projects under Transport Canada's Boating Safety Class Contribution Program.
"North American Safe Boating Awareness Week marks the beginning of the boating season in many parts of the country," said Minister Lebel. "Our government is pleased to be working with stakeholders on worthy projects aimed at reducing boating fatalities and injuries on Canadian waters."
This year's recipients under the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program are:
- Paddle Canada
- Canadian Red Cross – Atlantic Zone
- Newfoundland and Labrador Search & Rescue Association (NLSARA)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot
- Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak
Minister Lebel also reminded Canadians of the following tips to stay safe on the water:
- Always ensure that you and your guests wear a lifejacket 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.
Data collected over the past two decades indicate that the majority of boating-related deaths in Canada were linked to recreational boating activities such as fishing, powerboating and canoeing, often in small open boats on inland rivers and lakes.
"In the spirit of Safe Boating Week, I would also like to remind all Canadians that simple measures like wearing a lifejacket when out on the water can prevent needless tragedies," added Minister Lebel.
Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety supports prevention-based programs, and encourages safe boating practices and compliance with safety regulations.
If you are a boater, diver, angler, hunter or water sports enthusiast, there are rules and information you should be aware of. For the latest information on how to stay safe on Canadian waters, visit www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety.
North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2012 runs from May 19 to 25. For more information, please visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council's website at www.csbc.ca.
A backgrounder with more information about the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program is attached.
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Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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