As the boating season is about to kick off, it's a great time for us all to be reminded of some key behaviours to keep us safe as we venture out on our favourite waters.

1. Always wear a lifejacket or PFD
2. Don't drink and boat
3. Take a boating course
4. Be prepared - Both you and your boat
5. Know the dangers of cold water immersion

This year, the week runs from May 16th-22nd.  Kick-off events are planned in 5 locations across Canada: Halifax, Quebec, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver.

Halifax

Quebec

Toronto

Winnipeg

Vancouver

* Ready Set Wear It began in 2010, setting an unofficial world record for simultaneous lifejacket inflations, with 1,154 individuals from 2 countries participating.  In 2014, 5,774 participants from 9 countries participated by wearing either inflatable or inherently-buoyant lifejackets.  You too can help us beat last year's record on May 16th by hosting your own get-together with family and friends. Take a picture either of everyone wearing their inherently buoyant lifejackets or inflating their inflatables and submit it.  It's great fun!  Simply go to www.readysetwearit.com for more information and to register your event. 

As many of you know, Irwin Doxsee was the CSBC's volunteer Treasurer for many years, and his hard work and commitment were legendary. When he stepped down last year, he left big shoes to fill! After an extensive search, the CSBC was lucky to find Denis Vallée, who was elected to the CSBC Board of Directors and to the position of Treasurer last year. Denis brings a wealth of professional knowledge and business experience to his duties. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting from Lakehead University, and pursued further studies in accounting at Université Laval as part of his training as a Management Accountant. He worked as a professional accountant in the private sector and as a financial analyst at Canada Post prior to forming his own accounting company, Vallée Vieira & Co., Management Accountants, in 1994, and he continues to be active in the company.

Since 2007 Denis has also been President and owner of the National Boating Safety School, a Transport Canada-accredited course provider. His company offers the online safe boating course for the issuance of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card.  Denis is based in Gatineau/Ottawa, and is fully bilingual.    

By CSBC Special Correspondent Peter Hopkins, Manager - Recreational Boating, Marine and Safety Tasmania, Australia

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) have been concerned with the number of rescues of people on paddle craft over the last 12 months, 32 all up. This comes as sales of sit on tops, sea kayaks, Stand Up Paddle boards and other such craft have soared over the last four or five years. Whilst MAST introduced new legislation earlier this year regarding kayaks and canoes there was a need to also back this up with a solid educational program as many of those hitting the water ways are inexperienced, this was evidenced by a number who have been rescued.  

As a result MAST has partnered with Surf Life Saving Tasmania in introducing the Paddle Safe Program in December 2014. As there is no registration of these craft in the state there is also no revenue stream. An application to fund the program was made to the Tasmanian Water Safety Council which receives funds from the State Department of Sport and Recreation. The funding allocated allowed for craft to be purchased, life jackets, tethers and other equipment, it has also contributed to the marketing of the program.

The Paddle Safe Program is aimed at all ages and particularly those with little experience or knowledge. MAST and SLST have enlisted the help of local Council, Community Development Officers to promote Paddle Safe in their areas as well as the various Surf Clubs around the state whose members are running the program on the day. The program involves weather, trip preparation, legislative requirements and paddling techniques. The program will run for 3 years after which we are hopeful the surf clubs will pick the program up as part of their normal duties.

For more information, click here.