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Send this to a friend Print-friendly version Water safety starts with you! Alcohol 'on board,' man overboard: boating fatalities in Canada Drowning Safety tips for swimmers Past Articles Subscribe to our Healthlink newsletter

Each year, the Lifesaving Society campaigns to raise public awareness about drowning- the second most common cause of accidental death in Canada after traffic accidents.

Here are the Society's top 10 tips to prevent drowning:

1. Choose it. Use it! Always wear a lifejacket or PFD!
   Don't just have it in the boat. Pick one and wear it.



2. Think about it. Boat sober!
   Booze and boating don't mix.



3. Get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card!
   The Lifesaving Society's Boat Operator Accredited Training Course (BOAT) helps you to operate a pleasure craft safely.



4. Know before you go!
   Check the weather forecast and complete a simple checklist.



5. Drive powerboats and Personal Water Craft (PWCs) responsibly!



6. Closely supervise young children near water!
   If you're not within arms reach, you've gone too far.



7. Always swim with a buddy!
   And play and swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.



8. Measure clear hard ice in several places-no ice is without risk!
   Avoid ice on or near moving water. Clear hard ice on lakes is the only kind of ice recommended to travel on.



9. Protect your neck!
   Feet first, first time. Never dive into shallow water.



10. Learn to swim & learn lifesaving skills!
    Go further…take lifesaving society courses at your local pool or aquatic facility.

For more details on how to stay safe in the water, check out the Water Smart® Options.