Murray Wood: Fiction and parody frequently transform into truth
Murray Wood says a plan to ban smoking in the UK reminds him of an old parody piece in National Lampoon. He says truth i...
Ahead of Safe Boating Awareness Week, members of the Amphibious Response Safety Unit are showcasing some of the modern technology they use to help keep people safe on Saskatchewan waterways.
At a display in front of the Legislature, John Maczko of ARSU showed off some equipment as Parks, Culture, and Sport Minister Alana Ross tried out a water rescue simulator used in training.
Read more:
- Man falls through ice trying to rescue his runaway dog in Regina
- Saskatchewan water rescues prompt warning from RCMP
- Ride along with a Sask. volunteer water rescue unit and K9 Gustav
According to the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), which organizes the awareness week, there are five key safety messages directed toward the most common boating-related incidents:
Wear your lifejacket
Over 80 per cent of Canadians who drown while boating were not wearing their lifejacket or not wearing it properly, CSBC says.
Boat sober
Whether it’s prescription drugs, alcohol, or cannabis, the use of intoxicants is both irresponsible and illegal.
Be cold water safe
Cold water can severely impact your ability to swim or even just stay afloat. Even the best swimmers will feel the effects of a sudden cold-water immersion. No matter your swimming ability, the best chance of surviving an accidental cold-water immersion is to wear your lifejacket.
Take a boating course
If you operate a powered recreational vessel, you should have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card or some other proof of competency. But that is just a start, so consider taking some advanced courses.
Be prepared — you and your vessel
Make sure you are knowledgeable about your upcoming trip, your boat is properly equipped with the required and good-to-have safety equipment, the weather is suitable for the voyage, you have sufficient fuel and you have filed a trip plan.
Read more:
