This is the time of year when people are opening their camps and getting their boats in the water. Accordingly, the Ontario Provincial Police are turning their attention to boat safety for another season and police say they're concerned about boating fatalities being at an eight-year high.
As the weather gets warmer, you can expect to see more people out on the water, but OPP are reminding people to take the proper measures to stay safe when you're using your watercraft.
Police are reporting a record high for the number of boating fatalities.
Shona Camirand is an OPP Constable.
“Last year, in 2017, we had 31 deaths on OPP patrolled waterways, compared to 23 the year before." said Camirand.
Some high school students from Algonquin Secondary spent Wednesday afternoon learning about canoeing safety and that awareness on the water is vital.
Tyson Periare is a student that took part in the safety training.
"If you're going to be outside and you want to do some activities, it's good to know the basics on how to stay safe." said Periare.
Dominque Baldasaro is also a student that participated in the training.
"It's really important, if you're going to be out on the water, to learn things like this because being in the water can be really dangerous, especially if you're not prepared and you don't know what to do.” said Baldasaro.
The North Bay Waterfront Marina also ensures safety with boaters in the area.
Alain Lecompte is the facility supervisor at North Bay Waterfront Marina.
"Giving tips to our boaters on how to either prevent or use a fire extinguisher and how to handle spills." said Lecompte.
Wearing a personal flotation device while out on the water is highly recommended by officials.
"Always wear your life vests when on the water, especially in your canoes, kayaks, the smaller boats, but I like to encourage everybody to always wear your life jacket." said Constable Camirand.
OPP say talking about boating safety now is a way to get a head of the rising problems on the water.
