Ladies and gentleman, I am pleased to be here today to help launch Safe Boating Week, which starts this long weekend, on May 20th and runs through to May 26th.

-    I am the owner of 2 boats and a frequent water user
-    2 years ago I witnessed a boating accident fatality
-    worked on the victim for 10 minutes, found their pulse 3 times

Safety is a priority for Transport Canada.

-    The goal of Safe Boating Awareness Week is to ensure that the millions of Canadians who head out on the water are equipped with the knowledge for a safe day on the water.

-    Safe Boating Awareness Week kicks off the boating season each year on the May long weekend.

-    A number of boating safety activities will be taking place across the country during this week.

-    Transport Canada recognizes the important work of volunteers who educate the public about safe boating.

-    Safety is a shared responsibility.

-    Recreational boaters must take an active role to ensure our waterways are safer for everyone.

-     We can all do our part to lessen the 6,000 incidents and 150 boating fatalities that occur every year on our waterways.

-    A boating safety course makes sense.

-    It will improve safety on the waterways for everyone.

-    The best way to get proof of operator competency is to take an accredited boating safety course.

-    Always wear your personal floatation device and lifejacket when on the water.

-    It could save your life.

-    Don’t “cruise with booze.”

-    Alcohol and boating don’t mix and are far more dangerous than most people realize.

-    Operating a boat anywhere in Canada while impaired is illegal and an offence under the Criminal Code.

-    Transport Canada encourages boaters to get a pleasure craft licence at one of the 330 Service Canada centres across Canada.

-    A licence will give search and rescue and law enforcement agencies 24-hour a day, seven day a week access to your vessel information in an emergency situation.

-    You can never have too much safety!