Boating accidents: are they really accidents?
Joe has just finished his exams and after burning the midnight oil for the last month he is anxious to let loose and party with his friends.
They hit the bar after their last exam and catch the 2 for 1 special. Then it is off to a friend’s for a barbeque and, of course, a few more beers.
By midnight, the exams are clearly out of Joe’s mind. in fact, most rational thoughts are out of Joe’s mind.
The night is warm, Joe and his friends are excited that summer is finally here and it seems like a good idea to take Joe’s father’s boat out for a spin on the lake.
You can guess what happened next-the boat hit a log sticking up in the lake and all three men are killed.
Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death in Canadians under the age of 60.
Approximately 500 deaths from drowning occur each year. In addition, thousands of others suffer non-fatal injuries. Over 80 per cent of victims are males between the ages of 19 and 49.
Unfortunately, most drownings are preventable.
Following some simple rules could decrease that figure. Approximately 50 per cent of deaths are associated with consumption of alcohol and large proportion of victims are not wearing life jackets.
Summer is short in Canada and after enduring a long cold winter so most Canadians want to get out and enjoy the summer heat. Swimming and boating are all part of the fun.
But to make it safe, there are a few common sense things that you should adhere to.
Wearing a life jacket is mandatory in most jurisdictions in Canada. In fact, if you are stopped and not wearing a life jacket, it will cost each person about $250.
Despite that, statistics show that most often there are life jackets in the boat but they are not being worn. In fact, only 10 per cent of drowning victims were wearing personal flotation devices at the time of the event.
The designated driver is an accepted norm for partiers on land; this should also be a no-brainer for boaters.
Swimming pool drownings account for almost half of all child drownings. Most could be prevented by proper fencing and supervision. Flotation devices are not enough for children.
Adult drownings in pools are most often a result of diving into pools without knowing how deep the pool is.
Lastly, to enjoy the water, Canadians need to know the key elements of water safety and rescue. The Canadian Red Cross took on water safety as a key program focus in the 1940s when on average 1,200 Canadians drowned each year.
This number has gradually decreased over time. The Red Cross provides both education as well as public awareness programs.
School is almost over and summer is around the corner, so enjoy it but play it safe. Not all accidents are truly accidents – they’re most often preventable events.
This article is not intended to give specific medical advice. Consult your physician before undergoing any program.