A photo of children in a potentially dangerous situation has ricocheted around Facebook prompting police and experts to redouble their calls for safe boating practices in the province of Quebec.
Safety campaigns run every June, July and August across Canada as many people take advantage of the warm weather to enjoy the water in motorboats, sailboats, canoes or other vessels. The Canadian Lifesaving Society says 80 per cent of boating-related drownings could be prevented with a life vest.
Kids dangle legs over the edge
The photo shows five small children sitting on the bow of a speed boat. They are not in proper seats and are dangling their legs over the edge of the boat. At least one is not wearing a life jacket.
“If they hit a wave, it’s clear the children would have fallen from the boat,” said René Dumas, another boater who was nearby, close to the marina at Trois-Rivieres.
So far this summer, at least 20 people have drowned in the province of Quebec. Although there are about 500 water-related deaths across Canada every year, the overall rate is about the lowest in the world thanks to safety campaigns, lifeguarding, swimming and safety lessons for children and other measures. Government and safety organizations want to keep it that way.
Fines for life vest infractions
Legally in Quebec, people are not obliged to wear floatation devices, but there have to be enough for each person on board. If that’s not the case, the boat’s operator could face a fine of at least $440.
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