Did you know someone can drown in as little as one to two inches of water? It's true.
It does not require deep water. While it may not be boating season in the Parkland yet, that time is right around the corner. And as you prepare to hit the waters this summer, safety is the key.
On average, 22 Manitobans lose their lives annually due to drowning. Eric Labaupa is a spokesperson for the Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters. In 2025, the Canadian Safe Boating Council named Eric the top volunteer dedicated to boating safety.
There are five steps to being safe during boating season.
"Number one and foremost is wearing a life jacket. You'd be surprised how many people are out on the water who don't even have one for each person on their vessel," said Labaupa. "Especially for kids being on and around water, life jackets cut the risk factors to almost nil. Last year, 100 percent of cases of drownings involving boats and whatnot were because someone wasn't wearing a life jacket."
The second safety tip is to be sober. Penalties for boating while impaired are the same as those for driving a vehicle while impaired.
"Be sober on the water," he added. "You can save the drinking for when you're back at the cabin or home."
The third safety tip is being prepared. Make sure you have a fully charged phone, a whistle, sun protection, and that you always check the weather forecast before you hit the water. Taking a safe boating course is the fourth safety tip.
Number five is to be cold water safe.
"You could be the best swimmer in the world," added Lubaupa. "You could be a bronze cross lifeguard, but falling into cold water changes things very quickly."
From 2018 to 2022, 80 percent of the drownings in the province were males. While these are important tips to stay safe on the boat this summer, these are the same tips for if you're just at the beach or at the lake and going for a swim.
Taking your children on the water can be a great experience, but never leave their side. Supervision, especially when it comes to those aged 0 to 5, is critical. You should always be within arm's reach.
"In drownings of kids less than five years old, it's because of a lack of supervision in 100 percent of the cases," added Labaupa. "Even if you aren't on boats, just being at the beach or walking by streams. Get a lifejacket on them and always stay within arm's reach."
Manitoba is full of incredible lakes for you to enjoy throughout the summer. Close to home, you can go to Rainbow Beach, Clear Lake, and the Duck Mountains, to name three. The water can be a beautiful thing and the recipe for an incredible time, but don't forget to be water safe.
"Yeah, 100 percent. Don't be afraid, although we're talking about drowning," ended Labaupa. "Definitely go out and enjoy the aquatic activities, just be safe doing so, so everyone can enjoy their summer."
Make it a great summer and enjoy your time on the water.
