|

NEW CANADIANS ENCOURAGED TO START BOATING THIS SUMMER

Startboating

 

July 24, 2017

Lifesaving Society launches multi-language, online boating safety program

On July 20th, the Lifesaving Society, Canada’s leading organization responsible for drowning prevention, launched an online boating safety program targeted to new boaters, particularly new Canadians who may be experiencing recreational boating for the first time. STARTboating is a comprehensive program designed to teach basic boating and water safety skills. The program will launch July 20th in English, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese; followed by Hindi and Tagalog at the beginning of August.

STARTboating consists of a series of online, interactive videos, which guide the user through the basic skills needed to safely enjoy a day on the water. While suitable for all boaters, the program was developed with Canada’s growing immigrant population, especially newcomer families, in mind.

A record number of immigrants (320,032) arrived in Canada between July 2015 and July 2016,1 and a recent study conducted by Statistics Canada estimates that nearly one in two Canadians could be either an immigrant, or the child of an immigrant by 2036.2

“Many new Canadians come from countries where they don’t participate in activities like swimming and boating for recreation, says Barbara Byers, Public Education Director for the Lifesaving Society. “When they come to Canada, where water-based activities are extremely popular, they want to participate, but don’t always have the knowledge or skills they need to be safe. We created this program in multiple languages because we want to reach out to make sure they are prepared before they set out on the water.”

This is particularly important as research conducted by the Lifesaving Society has found that while the majority plan to spend time in and around water, new Canadians living in Canada for five years or less, are four times more likely to be unable to swim than those born in Canada. 3 This suggests they are at greater risk for drowning.

Recreational boating is part of the Canadian experience

Boating is a very popular recreational activity in Canada. Research indicates that 46% of Canadian adults participate in recreational boating activities.4 A study commissioned by the Lifesaving Society found that 31% of new Canadians planned to participate in boating activities during the summer months.

While developing the program, the Lifesaving Society conducted focus groups of new Canadians representing communities whose first languages are Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Tagalog and French. Feedback from the groups confirmed that new Canadians want to embrace activities like boating, which they consider part of the Canadian experience.

“… when you live in Canada, you would like to do things 
that you didn’t do back home and you want to do what 
Canadians are doing too.”
- Tagalog Focus Group Participant

STARTboating allows users to choose from one of four vessel types – canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and small outboard motor boat. Many of these vessels represent entry-level craft, those most likely to be operated by those new to boating.

The most recent comprehensive study on drowning in Canada, the Canadian Drowning Report5, found that together, canoes and powerboats under 5.5 metres, account for 46% of all boating-related deaths in Canada.
The introductory video begins with a family planning to spend a day on the water, and as the family continues on their journey, the user can click on additional videos that demonstrate:

• what to wear and what to pack;
• how to understand right of way, mapping, markers and areas to avoid;
• how to call for help in an emergency;
• how to use safety equipment including how to fit a personal flotation device.
• important skills like paddling, launching their boat and righting and re-entering from the water.

After viewing the videos, focus group participants commented that they saw boating as an activity they would like to participate in with their family. They also noted that the program helped them to understand that there was much more to boating than just renting or purchasing a boat and getting onto the water. After watching the videos they reported feeling safer and more prepared.

” This video has greatly increased my interest in 
kayaking and made me more confident in participation” 
- Mandarin Focus Group Participant

The program is available at www.startboating.ca and will also be linkable through a variety of partner websites including Canadian Safe Boating Council, PaddleSmart, www.adventuresmart.ca and www.smartboater.ca.

Reducing the risk of drowning and Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents

In addition to drowning prevention, one of the main goals of the program is to reduce the number and severity of marine search and rescue (SAR) incidents. While boating-related drownings have remained consistent over the past several years, SAR incidents continue to rise.

The Lifesaving Society hopes that education programs like STARTboating will help to prevent SAR incidents and create safe and responsible new boaters, who know how to call for help if it is needed and how to survive while they wait for help to arrive.

Contribution funding for the STARTboating program was provided by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, part of Public Safety of Canada

About the Lifesaving Society

The Lifesaving Society is a full-service provider of programs, products and services designed to prevent drowning. We save lives and prevent water-related injury through our training programs, Water Smart® public education, drowning prevention research, aquatic safety management and lifesaving sport. Each year, more than 1,000,000 Canadians participate in the Society’s swimming, lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership programs. For more information, please visit www.lifesavingsociety.com

About the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC)

CSBC is in the business of promoting safe and responsible boating throughout Canada. It is an alliance of members committed to preventing boating injuries and drownings and works to achieve its mission by providing common core education messages and resource materials that members can use in their education efforts with boaters. For more information please visit www.csbc.ca

References
1. Statistics Canada 2016. Canada’s population estimates: Age and sex, July 1, 2016. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/160928/dq160928a-eng.pdf (accessed July 2, 2017)
2. Statistics Canada. 2017. Study: A look at immigration, ethnocultural diversity and languages in Canada up to 2036, 2011 to 2036. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/170125/dq170125b-eng.htm (accessed July 2, 2017)
3. Lifesaving Society. 2010. The Influence of Ethnicity on Aquatic Participation and Drowning.
4. CSBC. 2015 Safe Boating Awareness Week Tracking Study.
5. Lifesaving Society. 2017 Canadian Drowning Report.

Related Articles





Canada’s Marine Retailers Band Together to Form New Canadian Marine Retailers Association

CMRA

The provincial marine associations from across the country, collectively representing over 80,000 jobs and $9.2B in national annual economic impact, announced the formation of a new national association whose mandate will be to represent the interests of recreational boating including recreational boat retailing and brokering, boat and engine & trailer sales, accessories, slip rentals, service, storage, fuel sales and more. Headquartered in Penetanguishene, Ontario, the newly formed Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) will focus on national issues facing the sector.

“The formation of a national voice to address the many aspects of our sector that affect the jobs and lives of Canadians from coast to coast is something many of our provincial associations have been calling for, for years,” says Brett Ramsey, President of Boating Ontario. “This is a positive step to ensuring issues facing our sector are represented to decisionmakers in the federal government.” READ MORE




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Just Launched

No posts


Five Impressive Features of the New Marex 440 Cruiser

The Marex 440 Cruiser is a beacon of innovation, representing the newest generation of cruisers embellished with modern design lines and groundbreaking innovations. Spanning a length of 13.70 metres and flaunting a maximum beam of 4.27 metres, this elegant vessel is destined to become the jewel of the Marex brand. Here, we explore five key aspects of the Marex 440 that redefine the cruising experience.

1. Diverse Modifications: The Marex 440 is available in two distinctive modifications: the 440 Gourmet Cruiser, boasting a vast U-shaped kitchen layout, and the 440 Scandinavia Version, featuring an additional enclosed salon for dining. These modifications are meticulously designed to offer a versatile cruising experience, whether you prefer an expansive kitchen or an additional dining space, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyle needs. READ MORE


Stainless steel outlet covers built for harsh weather

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Stainless steel combines long-lasting corrosion resistance with an attractive, classic appearance to enhance any deck. That’s why Hubbell Marine uses it in its premium Stainless Steel Flip Covers to protect electrical terminals from impacts, weather, even curious children and pets.

Both styles of Hubbell Marine Stainless Steel Flip Covers, and associated hinge pins, springs and mounting hardware, are built from heavy-duty polished 316 stainless steel. The easy-to-clean covers are enhanced by durable elastomer base gaskets and EVA back gaskets for weatherproof reliability. READ MORE