Lifejackets, zero risks make for safe summer on the water says OPP
Ahead of the boating season, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging Ontarians to avoid taking the same risks that cost 32 boaters and paddlers their lives on OPP-patrolled waterways last year.
During a tragic year that marked a 12-year high in marine deaths in OPP jurisdictions, the majority of the people who died in 2020 faced similar double setbacks to their safety on the water. The first setback occurred when they ended up in the water because their vessel capsized or they fell overboard. The second setback was the absence of a properly fitted lifejacket, which is not only designed to keep boaters and paddlers afloat, but also helps turn them onto their backs, enabling them to breathe if they are rendered unconscious.
As falling overboard and capsized vessels are the lead primary causes in boating fatalities every after year, it is in these situations in particular that wearing a lifejacket becomes a critical piece of life-saving equipment.
With many more people planning to take up boating this summer, the OPP is urging all new, inexperienced boaters to develop safe marine habits at the very outset. This includes paddlers who accounted for half of those who died last year after heading out in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered vessels such as stand-up paddle boards.
For a safe summer on the water, ALWAYS:
- Wear a Canadian-approved lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD)
- Check the weather conditions/forecast (paddlers should always stick close to shore)
- Boat/paddle sober and drug-free
- Tell people where you are going
- Be cold water aware
- Be mindful of your vessel’s capabilities when deciding where to go boating
- Take a boating course
The OPP remains committed to saving lives on Ontario roads, waterways and trails. The OPP polices approximately 100,000 square kilometres of Ontario waterways and a vast trails network, along with more than 130,000 kilometres of roadways.
Safe Boating Awareness Week is annual, national campaign led by the Canadian Safe Boating Council. For more information see Canadian Safe Boating Council
Moffatt,Sgt.D.,OPP Provincial Marine Coordinator(2021,May20) LIFEJACKETS, ZERO RISKS MAKE FOR SAFE SUMMER ON THE WATER- [media release]
photo OPP Hawkesbury
Ottawa Police to hold Water RIDE this Saturday
Of interest to our Ottawa readers, the Ottawa Police Marine, Dive and Trails Unit will do a Water RIDE on May 22nd to raise public awareness and enforce safe boating practices. They point out that alcohol remains a factor in half of all boating fatalities, and remind members of the public that safety equipment, the vessel licence and your Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card are required. They also remind boaters to watch your wake in order to avoid damage to property, environment and wildlife. They invite you to visit the Ottawa Police website for further boating safety tips.
OttawaPolice(2021,May20) Water RIDE this Saturday – Marine Unit offers boating safety tips [media release]
Also, do not underestimate the effect of hypothermia at this time of year since lakes and rivers do not really become warmer until July:- it will quickly slow you down until you feel like molasses and your body and mind become very sluggish. Watch for submerged rocks and especially on Bark Lake where the tops of submerged old islands almost reach the surface:- it’s bad enough to bump into one in a slow-moving canoe but it can become quite deadly hitting a submerged rock in a speed-boat or even in a fast sailboat:- know your lake and river before you go out there or else go slowly until you understand all the hidden hazards. If you are inexperienced in a canoe it’s best to stay away from the central area of big lakes and especially if a strong breeze starts driving big waves because you don’t want to start “shipping water” and suddenly go down like the old Mayflower. Likewise don’t go “shooting the rapids” until you have a bit of paddling experience and understand how to “read” the water. Dress lightly in layers:- boating is one of those activities where lightweight water-shedding polyester clothes and nylon windbreakers and leather slip-on moccasins are much safer than heavy boots and work clothes. Be especially careful with kayaks because they can easily roll over and keep you submerged below water until you drown. Btw, if you are thinking about visiting those two little rocky islands out in the south part of Kamaniskeg Lake for a picnic, don’t bother because they are usually occupied by gulls which cover it with a lot smelly bird poop! (and yes, I and some colleagues did visit them for that purpose a long time ago!).