TORONTO, May 16, 2024
/CNW/ - As summer approaches, the Canadian Safe Boating Council
(CSBC) sets sail with its annual Safe Boating Awareness Week,
advocating for safe and responsible boating practices across
Canada.
Canada's love affair with
boating is stronger than ever, with over 16 million Canadians
taking to the waterways for recreational enjoyment. The pandemic
turbocharged this passion, with a surge in new boaters—some
estimating increases as high as 40%. However, along with the influx
of enthusiasts came a rise in boating incidents, signaling a need
for heightened safety awareness.
To steer boaters toward safety, the CSBC, alongside its
partners, underscores five pivotal boating safety messages:
- Wear Your lifejacket
- Boat Sober
- Be prepared, You and Your Vessel
- Take a Boating Course
- Be Cold Water Safe
These cardinal rules aim to mitigate common boating-related
incidents and ensure a safe journey on the water.
Throughout Safe Boating Awareness Week, the CSBC collaborates
with boating and water safety groups, relying on Canadian media to
amplify these critical safety messages.
"Safe boating isn't just a week-long
focus - it's a year-round commitment. Whether it's a leisurely
cruise or a thrilling adventure, always wear your lifejacket and
ensure everyone on board does too." - Mike
Dean, Chair, Canadian Safe Boating Council
"Sailing is a pleasure and a privilege.
Make sure you are trained, have all required safety equipment on
board, respect other users on the water, and protect the
environment." - Josée Côté, Directrice Générale/General Manager,
Nautisme Québec
"When people think about driving impaired, they
think about a car on the road. But operating a boat while
impaired is just as dangerous and illegal." - Tanya Hansen
Pratt, National President, MADD Canada
"We know that time spent outdoors is good for
us, both physically and mentally. Outdoor activity continues to
thrive, especially in paddling, and it is important for new and
seasoned paddlers to be safe while enjoying their time on the
water." - Michelle McShane,
Executive Director, Paddle Canada
Go to www.csbc.ca/en/safe-boating-awareness-week to access
videos from CSBC partners that can be downloaded by media or shared
on social media.
Safe Boating Awareness Week is promoted by the Canadian Safe
Boating Council (CSBC), a registered charity, with support from its
members, partners, and Transport Canada's Office of Boating
Safety.
For additional information on boating safety, visit
BetterBoater.ca or STARTBoating.ca
SOURCE Canadian Safe Boating Council