“Alcohol and Water – A potentially deadly combination especially if you are Male” reports Lifesaving Society as part of National Drowning Prevention Week.

Ottawa, July 23, 2008 – At a greater risk of drowning this summer are males, between the ages of 18 and 34, who have been drinking alcohol and are not wearing lifejackets while participating in recreational, on-water activities reports the Lifesaving Society.

“Alcohol and water are a potentially deadly combination, especially if you are male. Alcohol involvement is twice as high among adult male victims than that of women; and every summer lives are needlessly lost to alcohol consumption and boating accidents,” says Nicole Liddell, the Lifesaving Society’s National President-Elect.

“Canadian drowning statistics demonstrate that over 80 percent of Canadian drowning victims are male, and that those aged 18 – 34 are at highest risk,” adds Liddell.

Even with the recent changes made to several provincial Highway Traffic Acts providing law enforcement officers with the power to suspend the driver’s license, or lay criminal DUI charges against any power boat operator who is found to be over the legal limit of .08 – many boaters still choose to put themselves and others at risk on the water.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police, marine fatalities in 2008 are up 200 per cent over the same period last year in Ontario, with 12 people dying in 10 incidents so far this year, up from four for the same period last year. Seven of the 12 victims were not wearing a personal flotation device, and alcohol was a contributing factor in three of the 10 fatal incidents.

“It’s ironic; the same people who would never drink and drive in their automobiles often have no reservation about drinking and boating, and it is this type of behavior that contributes to a higher number of drowning fatalities,” states Nicole.

The Lifesaving Society urges all Canadians to be safe in and on the water this summer and provides the following tips to boaters:

Water Smart™ Tips to Help you Stay Safe when Boating

Always wear a lifejacket! - Don’t just have one - wear one both on deck and while the vessel is underway!
Boat sober and ride sober - Remember that even one drink can dull your senses, slow your reaction time, and impair your judgment!
Get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card - Make sure you have your Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) by September 2009 … to help you know the boating “rules of the road”, how to respond in a boating emergency and how to operate your pleasure craft safely.
Ensure that you have the following items in your boat, it’s now the law:
1. One approved lifejacket - or - one approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) of the appropriate size for each person on board. Flotation devices must now be the appropriate size for each person on board.
2. One manual propelling device - or - one anchor with at least 15 meters of rope or chain (approx. 50 feet). This replaces the requirement to carry two oars or two paddles.
3. One bailer - or - one manual pump with sufficient hose to pump water from the bilge over the side of the vessel.
4. Navigation lights must meet applicable standards if the pleasure craft is to be operated after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.
5. A sound signalling device (can be a pealess whistle) - or - a sound signalling appliance.
6. One Class 5BC fire extinguisher if the vessel is equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating, refrigerating appliance or a fixed fuel tank of any size. The fire extinguisher must now be rated for both "B" (combustible liquids) and "C" (electrical) fires.
7. A buoyant heaving line that is at least 15 m long (approx. 50 ft). 5. Be aware of weather changes and the risks associated with cold water. Make sure you inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.
Drive powerboats responsibly - Look before you act, stay low, drive at moderate speeds, and use proper lights after dark.

National Drowning Prevention Week is an annual, public education and drowning prevention initiative of the Lifesaving Society with the goal of reducing the number of water related fatalities and near drowning incidents through the promotion of key water safe messages, including:

Monday July 21, 2008 “400+ Drowning Deaths a Year Still Too Many”

Tuesday July 22, 2008 “Children Among Those At Greatest Risk of Drowning”

Wednesday July 23, 2008 “Alcohol and Water a Potentially Deadly Combination”

Thursday July 24, 2008 “Lifesaving Society Celebrates 100 Years of Saving Lives”

Friday July 25, 2008 “Canada Post Releases Stamp Honoring Lifesaving Society”

For additional information on the Lifesaving Society and/or National Drowning Prevention Week (July 19 – 27, 2008) please visit the Society’s web site at: www.lifesaving.ca

About the Lifesaving Society:

The Lifesaving Society, Canada’s lifeguarding experts for the past 100 years, is a national, volunteer organization and registered charity whose mandate is drowning prevention. The Society’s programs include: Learn to Swim, Lifesaving, Lifesaving Sport, Water Smart® Public Education, Research, First Aid and Boating. The Lifesaving Society remains the leader in lifeguard training, and in 2008 will provide training and certification to over 500,000 nationally.

For additional information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Mr. Simon Rolfe, Manager of In-House Marketing Projects

Lifesaving Society National Office

287 McArthur Avenue

Ottawa, ON. K1L 6P3

Tel: (613) 746-5694 ext 27

e-mail: srolfe@lifesaving.ca or visit www.lifesaving.ca

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