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Healthy Living - Injury Prevention


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999 Balmoral Street
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6E7
Phone: (807) 625-5900
Toll-Free: (888) 294-6630
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Boat Safe, Boat Sober

 

Many injuries or deaths involving boating are linked to not wearing a personal floatation device and/or involve drinking alcohol. 

ALWAYS BE SAFE ON THE WATER

Wear a life jacket.

  • Don't just have it in the boat, choose one and wear it!
  • Boats are required by law to have enough life jackets/PFDs on board for everyone and they should be properly sized for each passenger. There is a $200 fine for each missing life jacket/PFD.
  • Lifejackets have come a long way. Inflatable jackets and a wider range of colour and style options make it easier to find and wear the one that is right for you. 
  • Life jackets and PFDs need to be approved by Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans Canada or a combination of these organizations

Boat sober.

  • Drinking alcohol on board a boat is not only illegal, it greatly increases your risk of drowning.
  • The effect of alcohol is intensified up by fatigue, sun, wind and boat motion. When considering your drinking level remember: "one equals three".
  • Don't drink before and during boating and keep an eye out for your guests as well. You are responsible for your guests' safety.
Know before you go. 
  • Be prepared with everything needed to have a safe trip on the water, including: paddles, whistles, flares, maps or charts, PFDs for each person in the boat, first aid kit, tools and spare parts, plenty of fuel.  Good sunglasses, sunscreen and appropriate clothing are all important too.
  • Check to be sure all equipment is working.
  • Check the weather forecast.
  • Be familiar with the area you are going to and find out about any hazards.
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Helpful Links:

 

The majority of injuries are predictable and preventable. 
Safety is no accident!

Last Updated: 1/31/2012

Our other sites: ThunderBayFlu.caFairStart.ca | 4HealthyKidsNorthWest.ca | ThunderBayBPSO.ca | HealthyThunderBayDistrict.ca