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.
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.
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Key boating safety tips
- Cold water is deadlier than you think. Prepare for the shock of cold water by always wearing a life jacket.
- Impaired boating is illegal. Leave the alcohol onshore.
- Check the forecast before you go out. Return to shore immediately if bad weather approaches.
- Operate powerboats responsibly – don’t speed close to shore and slow down when the water is choppy.
- Stay seated! You can easily fall out of a small powerboat, canoe or kayak.
- Properly load your boat. An unbalanced or overloaded boat could take on water or capsize.
- Be prepared. Ensure your vessel has the required safety gear on board, and sufficient fuel.
- Carry a VHF radio or cell phone in case you need to call for help.
- Always tell someone where you are going, when you will return and who to call if you are overdue.
- Get trained. Boating is fun and easy if you know how.
- 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.
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.