Water safety advice from Director of Canadian Safe Boating Council

Ah, long days, warm breezes and vacation time soon upon us. June is a special month where winter is a distant memory and boating season is ramping up.

It's a time that I wait for with great anticipation. When I finally step back onto my boat, a 21- foot sport boat, I get an overwhelming feeling like I'm home again. As a family of five with three daughters, we have ample opportunity to fish, water-ski, cruise and enjoy leisurely times at anchor on beautiful sunny days. Many Canadians enjoy boating each summer. Unfortunately, the season doesn't end happily for everyone. While the number of boating related fatalities has decreased over the last 10 years, according to Canadian Red Cross statistics, an average of 125 Canadians die each year while boating. As a Director with Canadian Safe Boating Council, I am saddened to see that the vast majority of these fatalities are preventable.

Boaters take unnecessary risks while on the water by not wearing their lifejackets or thinking that boating and alcohol go together.

Read the full article Now That It's Finally Summer, Let's Get On the Water - Safely from the Huffington Post.

Learn more about water and boating safety.