Boats and people will be out in full force in our region enjoying the lakes this long weekend and the RCMP is hoping everyone will remember some good judgment when it comes to watersports. Mounties have released a safety video for boaters and their passengers. RCMP Media Relations Officer Corporal Ronald Bumbry outlines some good strategies for keeping safe, including wearing a lifejacket at all times.
“No matter how experienced a swimmer you are, put your lifejacket on. It can save your life.”
Other tips include bringing proper emergency supplies and keeping a watch on the weather to make sure conditions on the water stay safe. As is often said, alcohol and powersports never mix. Bumbry says drinking and boating accounted for about 40% of boating-related fatalities in Canada in 2017.
“These substances will impair your judgement and motor functions, endangering your ability to operate watercraft or swim to safety.”
Since 2016, 57 people have drowned in Alberta with 67% of them occurring on lakes or rivers. A full safety video is available at the RCMP Alberta Youtube page.