As the boating season gets underway, new data reveals that Manitoba continues to have one of the highest boating fatality rates in Canada. According to the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba, the vast majority of boating deaths could be prevented by taking one simple precaution — wearing a life jacket.
Lorne Edwards, spokesperson for the Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters, says more than 80 per cent of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing life jackets or were not wearing them properly. “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.”
Nationally, around 140 Canadians die each year in boating accidents. While fatalities have been trending downward in recent years, Manitoba remains among the provinces with the highest rates of boating-related deaths.
Planning prevents problems
“Be prepared, both you and your vessel. Make sure your boat is ready to go, and you have everything you need on board,” says Edwards.
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.
Men make up most of the victims
Edwards points to another concerning trend — most victims are men. “Roughly speaking, more than 80 per cent are men,” he says. “And about 80 per cent were not wearing life jackets.”
The data underscores the importance of proper gear. Edwards advises boaters to check their life jackets for damage before heading out on the water. “Make sure they’re not ripped or torn because it might be time for a new one,” he says.
Know the conditions
Even popular and seemingly safe beaches 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.”
-With files from Maryssa McFadden.