"In the spirit of Safe Boating Week, I would also like to remind all Canadians that simple measures like wearing a lifejacket when out on the water can prevent needless tragedies," added Minister Lebel.
Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety supports prevention-based programs, and encourages safe boating practices and compliance with safety regulations.
If you are a boater, diver, angler, hunter or water sports enthusiast, there are rules and information you should be aware of. For the latest information on how to stay safe on Canadian waters, visit www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety.
North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2012 runs from May 19 to 25. For more information, please visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council's website at www.csbc.ca.
A backgrounder with more information about the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program is attached.
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.
Backgrounder
Boating Safety Class Contribution Program
In 2009, Transport Canada launched the five year Boating Safety Class Contribution Program to promote boating safety in Canada. It provides financial contributions of up to 75% of eligible costs for projects that advance boating safety awareness and focus on the importance of following safe boating practices.
Program Objectives
- Raise public awareness of boating safety issues;
- Increase the number of pleasure craft (or small boat) operators who follow safe boating practices;
- Improve national boating incident data quality and collection systems to support evidence-based awareness and education initiatives; and
- Contribute to the reduction in loss of life, injuries and property damage due to boating accidents.
Eligible recipients consist of not-for-profit, non-governmental or public safety organizations, educational or healthcare institutions, entities associated with facilities specializing in safety and medical research, enforcement services, and provincial, territorial or municipal governments.
New Projects
| Recipients | Project | Funding for 2012-2013 |
| Mothers against Drunk Drivers (MADD) | Report Impaired Boating - Call 911 | $40,000 |
| Paddle Canada | Expansion of Paddle Canada Services: National Paddling Week, Conferences & Instructor Development | $50,000 |
| Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot | Boating Safety Awareness Program - Drowning Doesn't Discriminate - Wear Your Life Jacket | $17,000 |
| Canadian Red Cross - Atlantic Zone | Boating Safety Education - Atlantic Canada | $100,000 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSARA) | Boating Safety, Education and Awareness Program | $60,000 |
| Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak | Un plan d'eau, ça s'apprivoise | $55,000 |
| Total funding: $322,000 | ||
For more information about the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program, please visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-contrib-prgm-menu-2273.htm
May 2012
For further information:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
