OPP issue boating safety tips ahead of the long weekend

OPP are promoting long weekend safety in Tilbury, Ont., on Friday, May 15, 2015. (Chris Campbell / CTV Windsor)

Provincial police hope a few simple tips will help keep families safe on the water this year.

OPP are reminding Ontario residents and tourists that being well-informed about provincial safe boating practices and laws can go a long way to ensure an enjoyable and tragedy-free boating season.

Police say most victims who die in fatal boating incidents are not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket.

Drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving and the very same laws in place for impaired driving also apply to impaired boating.

The OPP are offering the following marine safety tips:

For additional information on boating safety check www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.