For more information contact:
Joe McCambridge
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(613) 732-2242
jmccambridge@ocoa.ca
or
Susanne Simic
Simic Public Relations
Canadian Safe Boating Council
(416) 622-3358
susanne.simic@sympatico.ca
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July 31, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAKE THIS LONG WEEKEND A SAFE ONE, DON’T DRINK AND BOAT!
The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) is joining with the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) to raise awareness and reduce alcohol related deaths on the waterways. Alcohol is a factor in approximately 40% of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways. This August long weekend marks the start of year 2 of “Operation Dry Water”, an initiative to discourage the dangerous practice of drinking and boating.
What many boaters may not understand is that many factors such as sun, wind, and the rocking motion of the boat can greatly increase the effects of alcohol while on the water.
“Our members, working as Ontario Conservation Officers, will be out on the waterways this long weekend enforcing fishing regulations, while also ensuring the safety of both recreational anglers and boaters in the Province of Ontario”, says OCOA President Joe McCambridge. “We encourage everyone to please leave the alcohol on shore when you head out in your boat for a day of fishing and wait until you get home safely before enjoying an alcoholic beverage.”
Boaters are reminded to continue to follow safe and legal boating practices and ensure they have an appropriate sized and approved life jacket or PFD for everyone on board. While it is a good practice for everyone to wear their PFD or life jacket while on the water, boaters are reminded that if any of the required PFD’s are the inflatable type, they must be worn in order to qualify as a legally approved PFD.
Ontario is fortunate to have unlimited boating opportunities – Operation Dry Water hopes to raise public awareness and increase public safety by reducing drinking and boating. Please enjoy your summer on the water responsibly.
For more information regarding boating safety visit the CSBC website at www.csbc.ca, the OCOA website at www.ocoa.ca, or contact your local Conservation Officer.
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