CSBC promoting safe boating practices to Canadians

May 26, 2017 · 0 Comments

North American Safe Boating Awareness Week takes place across Canada this week (May 20 to 26).
The purpose of this initiative, managed by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and its partners, is to promote safe and responsible boating practices to the 14 million Canadians who participate in recreational boating.
Although boating-related fatalities have trended downwards in past years, there continues to be an average of more than 100 boating related deaths annually on Canadian waters. With people gearing-up to launch their boats after a long winter slumber, the goal of the week is to continue to bring those numbers down by ensuring that Canadians who head out in any type of boat have the appropriate knowledge to help them have a safe day on the water.
The timing of the week, starting the May long weekend, is perfectly aligned with the unofficial start of summer and a time when many boating fatalities occur.
There are five key boating safety messages to be delivered, all directed toward the most common boating related accidents. They include:
• The importance of wearing a lifejacket;
• The dangers associated with drinking and boating;
• The importance of taking a safe boating course;
• Ensuring that you and your vessel are prepared before casting off;
• The risks associated with a fall into cold water.
For additional boating safety information, visit www.csbc.ca