Government of Canada launches Safe Boating Week with new funding for boating safety projects

OTTAWA, May 18, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today celebrated North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2012 with an announcement of $322,000 for six boating safety awareness projects under Transport Canada's Boating Safety Class Contribution Program.

"North American Safe Boating Awareness Week marks the beginning of the boating season in many parts of the country," said Minister Lebel. "Our government is pleased to be working with stakeholders on worthy projects aimed at reducing boating fatalities and injuries on Canadian waters."

This year's recipients under the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program are:

• Paddle Canada
• Canadian Red Cross - Atlantic Zone
• Newfoundland and Labrador Search & Rescue Association (NLSARA)
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
• Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot
• Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak

Minister Lebel also reminded Canadians of the following tips to stay safe on the water:

• Always ensure that you and your guests wear a lifejacket that fits properly.
• If you are operating a motorized boat, carry proof of competency on board at all times.
• Take a boating safety course.
• Carry the required safety equipment for your boat such as paddles, a bailer, flashlight, buoyant line, anchor, etc.
• Keep clear of swimmers, divers and other boats.
• Navigate your boat on the correct side of the buoy.
• Wear proper clothing and check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Do not drink and boat.

Data collected over the past two decades indicate that the majority of boating-related deaths in Canada were linked to recreational boating activities such as fishing, powerboating and canoeing, often in small open boats on inland rivers and lakes.

"In the spirit of Safe Boating Week, I would also like to remind all Canadians that simple measures like wearing a lifejacket when out on the water can prevent needless tragedies," added Minister Lebel.

Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety supports prevention-based programs, and encourages safe boating practices and compliance with safety regulations.

If you are a boater, diver, angler, hunter or water sports enthusiast, there are rules and information you should be aware of. For the latest information on how to stay safe on Canadian waters, visit www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety.

North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2012 runs from May 19 to 25. For more information, please visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council's website at www.csbc.ca.

A backgrounder with more information about the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program is attached.

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Backgrounder

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Boating Safety Class Contribution Program

In 2009, Transport Canada launched the five year Boating Safety Class Contribution Program to promote boating safety in Canada. It provides financial contributions of up to 75% of eligible costs for projects that advance boating safety awareness and focus on the importance of following safe boating practices.

Program Objectives

• Raise public awareness of boating safety issues;
• Increase the number of pleasure craft (or small boat) operators who follow safe boating practices;
• Improve national boating incident data quality and collection systems to support evidence-based awareness and education initiatives; and
• Contribute to the reduction in loss of life, injuries and property damage due to boating accidents.

Eligible recipients consist of not-for-profit, non-governmental or public safety organizations, educational or healthcare institutions, entities associated with facilities specializing in safety and medical research, enforcement services, and provincial, territorial or municipal governments.

New Projects

Recipients	Project	Funding for 2012-2013
Mothers against Drunk Drivers (MADD)	Report Impaired Boating - Call 911	$40,000
Paddle Canada	Expansion of Paddle Canada Services: National Paddling Week, Conferences & Instructor Development	$50,000
Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot	Boating Safety Awareness Program - Drowning Doesn't Discriminate - Wear Your Life Jacket	$17,000
Canadian Red Cross - Atlantic Zone	Boating Safety Education - Atlantic Canada	$100,000
Newfoundland & Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSARA)	Boating Safety, Education and Awareness Program	$60,000
Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak	Un plan d'eau, ça s'apprivoise	$55,000
Total funding: $322,000

For more information about the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program, please visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-contrib-prgm-menu-2273.htm

May 2012

 

 

Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055