Drowning prevention week approaches, Lifesaving Society talks safety tips – PortageOnline.com
As Drowning Prevention Week (July 20-26) approaches, water safety advocates are urging Central Plains residents, particularly boaters around Portage la Prairie, Delta Beach, and the Whitemud River, to prioritize wearing lifejackets every time they are on the water.
With enforcement active and preventable tragedies occurring, understanding the law and choosing the right gear is paramount.
Lorne Edwards, Media Coordinator for Lifesaving Society Manitoba, underscores the life-or-death importance of proper flotation.
“Life jackets can virtually make the difference between life and death,” Edwards states.
He highlights specific legal requirements, noting, “It is a legal requirement in Canada that you have as many life jackets on your vessel as you do people, and it is a legal requirement to wear a life jacket if you’re using a stand-up paddle board.”
Choosing the correct gear is essential for comfort and effectiveness.
“But that goes to the point that there are all kinds of life jackets and you really have to choose the one you want to use, and then it’ll be comfortable and it will be effective,” Edwards explains.
He also highlights some key differences, saying, “You’ll often find life jackets will be the ones that will be very brightly colored, usually yellow or orange, will keep your head above the water. The PFDs [Personal Flotation Devices] will keep you afloat. But not necessarily keep your head afloat.” At the same time, Edwards particularly recommends inflatable PFDs for comfort and effectiveness.
Enforcement and preventable tragedies
Despite the risks and laws, a common problem persists.
“Well, I what I see is people just not wearing them,” Edwards observes, citing excuses like being a strong swimmer or having years of experience.
He stresses that most boating fatalities involve unexpected immersion: “Very many boating fatalities come from instances where the person never intended to be in the water.” Enforcement falls to authorities like the RCMP conducting water check-stops.
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Edwards, who reviews drowning reports annually, emphasizes their preventable nature.
“You know almost all of them, I would say, are quite preventable,” he notes, “And very often when it comes to boating, we find a high percentage of those fatalities are people not wearing the life jackets or the PFD.”
The Lifesaving Society’s 2025 Drowning Report, set for release during Drowning Prevention Week, will provide updated statistics.
Beyond the jacket: Courses, weather, sobriety
Safety extends beyond just wearing a lifejacket. Edwards strongly advocates for taking a boating course to obtain the legally required Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
“The big deal is not so much to have the card. The big deal is to learn who has the right of way, [and] what safety equipment you are required to have.”
He recommends resources like BetterBoater.ca and the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.
He also warns of the region’s specific challenges, like Lake Manitoba’s shallow depth leading to quickly building waves and unpredictable weather changes.
Edwards outlines the critical “1-10-1” cold water survival principle: “You’ve got about one minute to get your breathing under control, 10 minutes of meaningful movement, [and] an hour before you can become unconscious due to hypothermia.”
Finally, Edwards highlights Manitoba’s severe problem with boating under the influence, stressing that, “Unfortunately, in Manitoba, we trend way above the national average when it comes to boating fatalities where alcohol is involved.”
He then clarifies, “It is illegal to be drinking and boating unless you have a kitchen and a bathroom on your vessel. Otherwise, the rules are the same as if you’re in the back seat of a car.”
Penalties are severe, including potential driver’s license suspension.
A dedicated “Boat Sober” campaign is planned for the August long weekend, and with drowning prevention week on the horizon, Edwards urges people to think twice, following all safety laws and guidelines.
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