As more Canadian boaters are out on our waters, increased traffic is leading to more boating-related incidents. In 80% of fatalities, a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) was not worn. This is a simple step that, in many cases, can be the difference between life and death.
The Government of Canada is committed to raising awareness about safe boating practices and continuing to support the work of organizations who help foster safety on the water. With North American Safe Boating Awareness Week underway, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Annie Koutrakis, announced $1.4 million in funding for recreational boating safety projects under Canada's Boating Safety Contribution Program.
These projects aim to help Canadians and Indigenous Peoples stay safe on the water by raising public awareness about recreational boating safety, advancing knowledge of boating safety issues, practices and behaviours, and conducting research on the most effective ways to change boating behaviour in Canada.
North American Safe Boating Awareness Week, which is May 21-27, is an opportunity to reflect on how boaters can enjoy being out on the water in a safe and responsible way. Boating is an activity enjoyed by Canadians across the country and, for many, the boating season began May long weekend. In anticipation of the warmest months of the year, when boating-related fatalities occur the most in Canada, it is important to keep boating safety top of mind.
The full list of 2022-23 recipients under Canada's Boating Safety Contribution Program is available online. Further, Transport Canada is now accepting applications under the Recreational Boating Safety Component for projects that will begin in 2023-24.
