Thursday, May 21, 2009

BOAT SAFE … RETURN SAFE

(Elliot Lake, Ontario) For years the messages about wearing your Personal Floatation Device or PFD have been delivered to you through television, radio, internet, newspapers and reading material so why do we continue to ignore the message, putting ourselves, our loved ones and friends at risk?

Research tells us that while the majority of us insist that our children wear their PFDs, adults are not as careful about their own safety.

Many boaters who drown believed they were good swimmers, so having a PFD on board and within easy reach might seem good enough… But what good is a PFD that is stored under a seat or under the bow going to be when the unexpected happens? A PFD left behind will not be much use especially in cold water.

The message is clear. Having your PFD on before you end up in the water will greatly increase your chance of survival.

The East Algoma OPP has started their marine patrols and will be checking boats to ensure all passengers are wearing a Personal Floatation Device.

Boat Safe – Return Safe – Enjoy your time on the water and
“have many happy returns”