The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding boaters that a safe boating season comes down to a simple, yet important checklist before and during an outing.
Of the 130 people who died on OPP-patrolled waterways in the last 5 years only 11 were wearing a lifejacket.
With capsized vessels & falling overboard the leading causes of fatalities, wearing a life jacket cannot be overstated.
And regardless of the vessel; alcohol and drugs have no place on the water.
They say to plan and be prepared by checking the weather forecast, make sure vessel is in good condition and you have ample fuel and always have a fully charged cellphone.