Alcohol is a major contributing factor in drowning while boating
(36%).
Although progress has been made in the reduction of automobile
drinking and driving offences over the past 10 years, incidences of
drinking and driving a boat continue to be commonplace.
If you drink, don't drive your boat. In Ontario, if you are
convicted of driving a boat while under the influence, you will
lose your license to operate your boat and your car.
Learn to Swim
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any
meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. The Lifesaving
Society offers training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
Our Swim for
Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop
solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water
Smart® education that will last a lifetime.
Swim to
Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. Swim
to Survive is not a subsititute for swimming lessons; instead, it defines the
minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep
water. People of all ages should be able to perform the Society's
Swim to Survive standard.