In this summer season, during which water sports are very popular, Transport Canada wishes to recall that it is important to follow nautical safety rules in order to avoid accidents. Even if most of the navigation deaths could be avoided, Transport Canada specialists claim that accidents continue to occur every year across the country.
Nearly 100 people in Canada lose their life on the water each year. Among them, 80% did not wear a life jacket, according to the Canadian Center for Prevention Research.
“Each tragedy reminds us that we have to do more to educate and protect those who are on the water,” says Sean Fitzpatrick, who heads a team of Nautical Transport Canada. The latter also mentions that simple safety measures, such as wearing a life jacket or staying sober when driving a boat, can differentiate between life and death.
Measures
You should know that one of the main missions of agents and nautical security is to educate people about the measures to be taken to ensure their water safety. Among the security advice they give, there is, among other things, always checking the weather conditions before taking off, since storms, strong winds and sudden changes in conditions can create dangerous situations on water. It is also advisable to prepare a navigation plan and notify someone of their projects so that they can contact the authorities in the event of a problem.
You also have to make sure to sail soberly to avoid causing injury to yourself or others. Recall that driving a boat with weakened faculties is dangerous and illegal. The penalties incurred are the same as for driving a vehicle.
If you plan to drive an engine boat, you must also have valid proof of competence. For most Canadians, this is the boating driver card. It can be obtained by following a nautical safety course of an authorized lesson provider. This is an essential step to become a responsible boat owner.
Life jacket
Wearing a well -adjusted, floats and is also essential life jacket is also essential, as this considerably increases the chances of survival in the water.
“Wearing a life jacket in a boat will keep you afloat so that you can control your breathing and it will give you time to get out of the water or call for help,” explains Michele Fung, who also leads a team of Nautical Transport Canada Safety Agents “It could save your life. »»
Paddle board
A boat that is gaining more and more popularity in the region is the Pagaie board. The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Police Service (SPSJSR) recently recalled security rules on its social networks to be observed in connection with this boat.
If users wear their life jacket, the appropriate equipment to have on your board is a whistle and a waterproof flashlight when sailing after sunset. If you do not wear an individual floating garment, you must make sure you have it on the board, with a 15 -meter floating catch line, in addition to the basic equipment mentioned above.
Note that non-compliance with these rules can lead to a fine of $ 200.
Nage
As for swimming, no regulations prevent swimming in the Richelieu river. However, Parks Canada prohibits swimming in the Chambly canal.
To find out more about nautical security, see the Canada.ca/Securitatique website.