Transport Canada urges boating safety during Drowning Prevention Week

Christopher Hanlon with Transport Canada shares his advice for safe boating and drowning prevention.

As boaters head out onto Manitoba’s lakes and rivers this summer, a safety officer is sharing a timely reminder.

More than 12 million Canadian adults take part in recreational boating every year, according to Transport Canada, an activity officials said carries real risks if the proper safety measures aren’t followed.

“Our focus is really making sure Canadians get out there and enjoy themselves, but they do it in a way that’s safe,” said Christopher Hanlon, a boating safety officer with Transport Canada.

The reminder comes during National Drowning Prevention Week, which runs July 19 to 25.

Hanlon said Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and life jackets are the most basic requirements for anyone on the water.

“It should fit them, so you can’t have a little kid with a big extra-large adult life jacket. And it should be Transport Canada approved.”

Beyond PFDs, Hanlon said the additional safety equipment required on board depends on the size and type of vessel.

“It can be anything from a stand-up paddleboard up to a big yacht, and you’re going to have a lot of difference in what you need.”

Hanlon also cautioned that warm summer air temperatures can be misleading.

“We don’t get as warm as the Caribbean. So you do want to be prepared (if someone does) fall in, and be prepared to be cold when that happens and aware of the risks of hypothermia.”

Alcohol consumption while boating poses the same dangers as impaired driving, Hanlon said.

“People need to treat their boat like they treat their car,” he said. “You wouldn’t operate your car inebriated, and you shouldn’t operate your boat.”

Anyone operating a boat with a motor is legally required to complete a boating safety course and receive a pleasure craft operator card.

Hanlon also recommended boaters run through a safety checklist before every outing. He said that checklist should include going through all safety equipment to make sure it’s in good working order and ensuring everyone on board knows where that equipment is located.

He also advised letting someone on shore know the boat’s destination and expected return time, so they can alert authorities if something goes wrong.