_0.jpg)
As Safe Boating Awareness Week launches this morning across Canada, Manitoba safety advocates are urging boaters to take extra precautions ahead of the May long weekend—a time that marks the unofficial start of summer and, all too often, a spike in boating fatalities. With the season underway, experts say now is the time to double-check gear, plan, and most importantly, wear a life jacket.
Life jackets save lives
Lorne Edwards, Media Coordinator for Lifesaving Society Manitoba and spokesperson for the Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters, says the vast majority of boating deaths could be prevented with one basic precaution.
“We hear of incidents where people take risks and go out without life jackets. That's number one on our list because over 80 per cent of Canadians who drowned while boating were not wearing their life jackets or were not wearing them properly,” Edwards explains.
Emphasizing both safety and practicality, Edwards encourages boaters to choose the right gear and ensure it's in good condition before heading out on the water.
"Today, there are so many choices for life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs). It's easy these days to pick one that suits your boating style. Picking inflatable PFDs or life jackets that are bright, bold colors and easy to spot could save your life. It's also a good time to check the PFDs you have. Make sure they're not ripped or torn because it might be time for a new one."
Although boating-related fatalities have been trending downward in recent years, there are still more than 100 deaths annually on Canadian waters. Manitoba continues to rank among the provinces with the highest boating fatality rates in the country. Nationally, around 140 Canadians die each year in boating-related accidents. According to Edwards, the numbers don’t lie, as most are men, and most weren’t wearing life jackets.
"Roughly speaking, more than 80 per cent are men and about 80 per cent were not wearing life jackets."
Related stories:
- One dead, one missing after boating incident on Lake Manitoba
- Second body recovered after Lake Manitoba boating accident
- Strong winds expected to impact Lake Manitoba shores, including Delta Beach
Planning prevents problems
Edwards stresses that boaters should also ensure their vessel is fully equipped and ready for the water.
“Be prepared, both you and your vessel. Make sure your boat is ready to go, and you have everything you need on board.
Boaters can find a list of required safety equipment through Transport Canada and stay up to date with the latest developments in boating safety through the Canadian Safe Boating Council.
"They're helpful resources for when you're planning a trip. You can check for marine forecasts and it will tell you what safety equipment you need to have on your vehicle."
Filing a trip plan is another crucial step that makes all the difference in an emergency. By letting someone know where you're going, who you're with, and when you expect to return, rescue efforts can be launched quickly if something goes wrong, especially in remote areas or when weather conditions change unexpectedly.
Know the conditions
Even popular and seemingly safe beaches like Delta Beach can become hazardous when conditions change. Edwards says the fast-moving weather in Manitoba makes it essential to stay alert.
“I'd certainly pay attention to the weather. Luckily, in the prairies, we can see a long way away, so you can check and see what the sky is like and if the winds are picking up. The weather can change quickly, and it plays an important role in people putting themselves in danger where that could be avoided."
Cold water is another deadly factor this time of year, especially for unprepared swimmers.
“This time of year, that water is still very cold and could severely impact your ability to swim or even stay afloat. Even the best swimmers can feel the effects of sudden cold-water immersion. Whether your swimming ability is good or bad, the best chance of surviving an accidental cold-water immersion is to wear your life jackets."
No place for intoxication
One of the most persistent problems in Manitoba is boating under the influence. The province continues to rank way above the national average for alcohol and drug use on the water.
“Whether it's prescription drugs, alcohol, or cannabis, the use of intoxicants is illegal. The same rules apply in a boat as in a car, and you cannot drive or be in a car with open liquor. The same goes for a boat: if you drink while boating, you are breaking the law, which not only risks your safety, but the safety of others as well."
As the boating season ramps up, safety hinges on preparation and making the right choices before leaving shore, because when an emergency happens, there's often no time to hesitate.
"On the road, you wear your seat belt because you know you won't have time to put it on in an accident. On the water, it's the same. You may not have time to put on a life jacket, and it can't save your life if you aren't wearing one.