Posted on Wed, Jul 27, 2011 @ 11:24 PM
Picture this... It’s a hot summer day and your sitting by the lake having a few drinks with friends and family. You can’t wait to take the boat out for a ride, but you don’t because you know alcohol and boating do not mix.
According to the Lifesaving Society, in Ontario alcohol intoxication has been the second most frequent cause of preventable water-related deaths averaging 28% of deaths per year from 1996 -2000.
Boaters caught drinking and boating in Ontario face similar consequences to those for drinking and driving.
According to The Ministry of Transportation, you could face the following consequences:
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Immediate 3, 7, or 30 day license suspension.
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Mandatory alcohol education and/or treatment programs.
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Immediate 90-day administrative license suspension and a $150 administrative monetary penalty
If convicted under the Criminal Code, the boater will also face:
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Driver's license suspension, for one year up to a lifetime ban
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Mandatory alcohol assessment, education or treatment, and follow-up
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Ignition interlock condition on their driver’s license for one year to up to a lifetime
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Vehicle impoundment if caught driving a motor vehicle while under suspension
These consequences apply to anyone who is caught drinking and operating both motorized and non-motorized vessels, including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, etc.
For more water safety and risk management information, download our free Boat Safety Checklist today!
Posted on Tue, Jul 26, 2011 @ 10:00 AM
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in this country, especially for children under 5. Drowning can occur in natural aquatic settings or in swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. Children and adults alike are at risk of drowning if they are not taking the proper risk management precautions. Remember that water depth is not necessarily a factor as a child can drown in shallow water too.
The following tips are aimed at assisting in preventing these aquatic incidents:
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Never leave a child alone when he/she is in or near a pool.
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Use the buddy system and never swim alone
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Ensure adults and children wear appropriate life jackets.
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Do not drink alcohol when swimming or participating in water activities.
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If you have a pool, spa or hot tub, ensure that it is adequately fenced with a self closing and latching gate. Check your local government requirements.
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Familiarize yourself with the waters you are swimming in (submerged logs, large rocks, shallow water).
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Train employees on water safety, as well as First Aid and CPR.
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Ensure risk management procedures are in place
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Have your pool, beach, spa and/or hot tub inspected regularly.
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If your beach or pool is not supervised there should be appropriate signage in place making patrons aware that the area is unsupervised and that they are responsible for their own safety.
Sample beachfront and pool signage wordings are below...
TAKE A MOMENT TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH A FEW SAFETY RULES:
NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY
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Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian, not less than 16 years of age, at all times
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NO diving
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While swimming and boating be cautious of boat traffic
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Never swim alone
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Never swim at night
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All water activities are at users own risk
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All watercraft are to be signed out
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Familiarize yourself with all boating regulations before setting out
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Wear a life jacket on all watercraft
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Cold water can result in hypothermia
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Stay out of the water during stormy weather
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Do not bring glass containers on to the beach
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911 FROM THE POOL BUILDING.
For more information on water safety and risk management, download our free boat safety checklist today!
Posted on Thu, Jul 21, 2011 @ 10:05 AM
The dog days of summer have arrived. One way to cool down from the sweltering heat is to take a dip in your pool or swim at the nearby beach. Although swimming is a fun and exciting summer activity for both children and adults alike, there are still many risks involved.
In the summer of 2010, drowning accidents were on the rise, compared to that of 2009. In fact, drownings in Canada increased by more than 10%. 404 Canadians drowned in 2010, which was up from 368 drownings in 2009. Ontario was the province with the most drownings, totaling 128.
(http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1012235--drownings-in-canada-increase-10-per-cent)
In 2010, 22 reported drownings were among children under the age of 5. Again this number was up from the 14 children who drowned in 2009. The number of drowning deaths in the 5 to 12 year-old age group also rose to 18 in 2010 from 10 in 2009.
(http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1012235--drownings-in-canada-increase-10-per-cent)
According to the Ontario Chief Coroner 2010 Report, 89 accidental drowning deaths occurred between May-September and of those 89, 85% of the deaths were male. It also reported that alcohol was a contributing factor for 44% of those deaths for individuals between the ages of 15-64.
(http://www.news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2011/06/office-of-the-chief-coroner-releases-its-2010-drowning-death-review.html)
22 of the 23 (96%) drownings that occurred while operating powerboats and un-powered boats were due to a failure to wear a life jacket.
(http://www.news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2011/06/office-of-the-chief-coroner-releases-its-2010-drowning-death-review.html)
These stats may be alarming but they reinforce the importance of taking the appropriate risk management measures: learning to swim, wearing a life jacket, avoiding alcohol while swimming or operating watercraft, and keeping a close eye on children.
For more information on water safety, download our free Boat Safety Checklist.