By: Nick Liard

North American Safe Boating Awareness week kicked off yesterday along with the start of the long weekend.

Over 14 million Canadians participate in recreational boating, with many launching for the first time this weekend.

Ian Gilson with the Canadian Safe Boating Council says it’s been a number of months since people have been on the water and they tend to forget key safety measures.

Ian Gilson with the Canadian Safe Boating Council says being on the water should be a fun experience, not a tragic one, so leave the beer on the pier.

Other safety tips before heading out are make sure lifejackets are worn, refresh yourself with a boating course, and ensure you and your vessel are prepared before taking off.

On average around 100 Canadians die each year in boating related accidents, 27 coming from Ontario.