Kick-off to Safe Boating Awareness Week and Media Day

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, May 16, 2013, 10 a.m., Marine Unit, 259 Queen's Quay West, Kick-off to Safe Boating Awareness Week and Media Day

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 - 10:00 AM
Marine Unit:  416-808-5800

On Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 10 a.m., at 259 Queen's Quay West, the City of Toronto will officially proclaim May 18- 24, 2013 as Safe Boating Awareness Week.

Following the proclamation, the Toronto Police Service Marine Unit and the Canadian Safe Boating Council will host a media day, until 2 p.m., with numerous exciting events at the TPS Marine Unit, 259 Queen's Quay West. Leading up to the long weekend, the TPS Marine Unit, Canadian Safe Boating Council, MADD Canada, the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons, Canadian Recreation Products, Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak and Harbourfront Powerboating and Sailing Centres will stage five unique interactive stations for media to experience the essentials of boating safety, such as:

1. Selecting & fitting children’s lifejackets: Canadian Recreation Products
2. The dangers of alcohol and boating: MADD Canada
3. Be prepared, the importance of boating courses: Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons
4. Interactive demos with kayak, paddle board, sailboat, small power boat (safety equipment): Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak and Harbourfront Powerboating and Sailing
5. Dangers of cold-water immersion: Toronto Police Service

The Canadian Coast Guard cutter Cape Storm will also be on hand for touring and to discuss their experiences responding to calls from recreational boaters requiring assistance.

The Victoria Day long weekend is considered by many as the unofficial start of summer. The goal of this event and Safe Boating Awareness Week is to decrease the number of boating fatalities by educating the public as they begin their boating season with the knowledge and key boating-safety tips to help ensure that every trip is a round trip.

For further information please contact:

Ian M. Gilson
Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC)
Phone: 905-719-5152
igilson@shaw.ca
www.csbc.ca

or

Constable Scott Cornett
Community Service Officer, Marine Unit
416-808-5821
scott.cornett@torontopolice.on.ca

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Constable Scott Cornett, Marinue Unit