On average, 140 Canadians drown in boating incidents each year. More than 80 percent are men. More than 90 percent are not wearing life jackets. On the road, you wear your seat belt because you know you won’t have time to put it on in an accident. On the water, think about your life jacket the same way. It won’t work if you don’t wear it.

Top tips for safe boating:

1. Cold water is deadlier than you think. Prepare for the shock of cold water – always wear a life jacket.
2. Alcohol and boating do not mix. Leave the alcohol onshore.
3. Check the forecast. Return to shore immediately if bad weather approaches.
4. Obey all warning signs and buoys around hydroelectric stations and dams; waters can change in a matter of seconds from a scenic calm to a deadly torrent. “Stay Clear, Stay Safe.”
5. Drive powerboats responsibly – use appropriate speed, especially when the water is choppy.
6. Stay seated! You can easily fall out of a small powerboat, canoe or kayak.
7. Be prepared. Ensure your vessel has the required safety gear on board and sufficient fuel.
8. Carry a VHF radio or cell phone with you when on the water.
9. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
10. Get trained. Learn how to survive an unexpected fall into the water.