The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Following the recent tragic boating deaths of two Manitobans, Red Cross is again urging all Manitoba residents to be careful and think safety first when enjoying water activities this summer. Before you step foot in your boat, the Red Cross urges you to make sure that everyone in the family is zipped and clipped into their lifejackets. "The Red Cross extends our condolences to the families of the victims," says Brian Derkach, water safety program coordinator for Manitoba. "Lifejackets really do save lives, but you must wear them. If something goes wrong on the water, close by isn't close enough." Every year, 200 Canadians drown while boating. Of those who drown, 90% are not properly wearing their lifejacket; in these instances, either they don't have one on, or it isn't zipped or buckled up properly and slips off in the water. Red Cross is encouraging all boaters, at all skill levels, to wear their lifejackets in the boat. Boaters are also encouraged not to consume alcohol while on the water; Alcohol is a factor in 40% of recreational boating fatalities. Canadian Red Cross has been helping to keep Manitobans safe in, on and around water since 1946. For more information about the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program, heat to www.redcross.ca.
