Safety First on the Water
Toronto Police Service Marine Unit is reminding people to take safety precautions as the unofficial start of summer, Victoria Day weekend, approaches.
Top Five Tips to Stay Safe:
- Wear Your lifejacket
- Boat Sober
- Be prepared, You and Your Vessel
- Take a Boating Course Online
- Be Cold Water Safe
“Always know your weather when it come to wind and waves, wear your floatation devices, ensure you have the proper safety equipment on board your boat in case of emergency, be sober and take a boating course if possible,” said Training Constable Kjell Maro of the Marine Unit, during North American Safe Boating Awareness Week.
He said the Marine unit responded to several serious collisions on the water last summer that were avoidable.
“Speed and not paying attention were the main causes,” said Maro, noting that boaters need to be hyper-aware of their surroundings.
It’s also important to remember that operating a boat impaired by alcohol and drugs is against the law and can result in losing driving priveledges.
Visit www.tps.ca/water for safety information and more resources.
