With fun and sun comes IBC's water safety tips

VANCOUVER, May 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Summer long holiday weekends and warm days are here and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is offering tips to help Canadians to stay safe while enjoying water activities.

"Being out in the water can be a lot of fun. But we need to remember that accidents do happen. This is why it's important to review a few simple water safety tips every year," says Lindsay Olson, Vice President, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba with IBC.

According to Canadian Red Cross, on average, more than 500 people drown every year in Canada. This significant number of water-related fatalities reinforces the need for water safety education.

Here are some water safety tips that will help you and your family enjoy this summer:

• Be aware of the risks in your region. Some areas may have significant snow melt resulting in high water flows. Be extra cautious around fast-flowing rivers and streams.
• Supervise children at all times.
• When swimming be aware of your limitations. Don't go beyond your ability.
• Think before you dive. Ensure water depth is at least 10 feet deep. Remember the depth of lakes or oceans can change due to tides or seasons.
• When in, on and around water, have everyone try on their lifejacket to see that it still fits and that all the zippers and buckles are in good working order. Lifejackets do save lives.
• When boating, always wear a lifejacket. Even in nice weather, even close to shore.
• Boat sober, "don't booze and cruise" on the water.
• Familiarize yourself with basic lifesaving skills such as CPR in case of emergency.
• All water parks and facilities should have a general set of security regulations for you to follow. Please read the rules!
• Keep emergency equipment and first aid kits close at hand.
• Know before you go. Check the weather forecast before you go out on the water.

(Source: Canadian Red Cross and Lifesaving Society)

For more tips on water safety click here:

http://www.ibc.ca/en/In_the_Community/Boating_Safety/

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

Helen Lialias
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4312
[email protected]