North American Safe Boating Awareness Week continues across Canada until May 25. The purpose of this initiative, managed by the CSBC (Canadian Safe Boating Council) and its partners, is to promote safe and responsible boating practices to the estimated 15 million recreational boaters in Canada.

Although boating related fatalities have trended downwards in past years, there continues to be an average of over 100 boating related deaths annually in 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 on 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 behaviours to be delivered, all directed towards the most common boating related accidents. They include:

1. Wear a Lifejacket

2. Boat Sober

3. Take a Boating Course

4. Be Prepared – Both You and Your Vessel

5. Be Aware of the Risks of Cold Water Immersion