Boating Bitts

Safe Boating Awareness Week May 16 to 22, 2026 Keeping you and your crew safe on the water is of utmost importance. The following five key boating messages will help keep you safe: 1. Wear Your Life jacket   Over 80% of Canadians who drown while boating were either not wearing a life jacket or wearing one improperly. Modern life jackets and personal flotation devices are designed for comfort and mobility, making it easier than ever to wear one at all times while on the water. Make sure you have a properly sized life jacket or PFD for each person onboard. 2. Boat Sober Alcohol, cannabis, and other impairing substances significantly increase the risk of boating accidents and fatalities. Operating a boat while impaired is illegal and dangerous for everyone on the water. 3. Be Cold Water Safe Cold water shock can affect even experienced swimmers. Sudden immersion in cold water can impact breathing, mobility, and survival time. Wearing a life jacket greatly improves your...