June 30, 2011 (Toronto, Ontario) Today, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is reminding Ontario citizens to practice water safety while enjoying Ontario’s lakes and waterways this Canada Day long weekend.
According to BOATsmart, Canada’s officially recognized boater licensing body, over 100 people die in boating-related accidents and approximately 6,000 people suffer non-fatal injuries across Canada’s waters every year.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) provides the following tips for staying safe while boating this summer:
- Get your BOATsmart card. All operators of motorized vessels require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Visit BOATSmartExam.com for more information.
- Check your safety equipment.
- Know the rules of the water and know your lake. Markers and buoys indicate the most preferred and safest routes for navigation and also mark specific hazards before you head out.
- Leave a trip plan with a responsible person in case of emergency.
- Alcohol and Boating don’t mix- Ever.
- Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or Lifejacket. Make sure everyone on the boat is fitted with an approved PFD.
- Stay safe and stay clear around dams, hydroelectric stations and surrounding waterways.
“Ontario brokers have always had a vested interest in informing and protecting citizens in this province,” said IBAO CEO Randy Carroll. “Many Ontario families will be enjoying the beautiful waters this weekend and we want everyone to enjoy Canada Day long weekend while practicing water safety.”
Insurance brokers are known for their commitment to their community and keeping Ontarians safe.
About IBAO
The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is a ‘not for profit’ association that represents and serves the interests of over 11,500 independent Property & Casualty Insurance Brokers in the Province of Ontario. For information about IBAO, visit www.ibao.org or www.ibao.org/blog to receive timely news and information updates. You can also follow IBAO on Twitter or join the IBAO Facebook Fan Page.
