{"id":112205,"date":"2017-08-15T09:15:28","date_gmt":"2017-08-15T13:15:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=112205"},"modified":"2017-08-15T09:15:28","modified_gmt":"2017-08-15T13:15:28","slug":"new-canadians-encouraged-to-start-boating-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2017\/08\/15\/new-canadians-encouraged-to-start-boating-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"New Canadians encouraged to START Boating this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The program consists of a series of online, interactive videos, which guide the user through the basic skills needed to safely enjoy a day on the water. (Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Lifesaving Society, Canada\u2019s leading organization responsible for drowning prevention, has launched an online boating safety program targeted to new boaters, particularly new Canadians who may be experiencing recreational boating for the first time. START Boating<\/em> is a comprehensive program designed to teach basic boating and water safety skills. The program will launch today in English, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese; followed by Hindi and Tagalog at the beginning of August.<\/p>\n

The program consists of a series of online, interactive videos, which guide the user through the basic skills needed to safely enjoy a day on the water. While suitable for all boaters, the program was developed with Canada\u2019s growing immigrant population, especially newcomer families, in mind.<\/p>\n

A record number of immigrants (320,032) arrived in Canada between July 2015 and July 2016,1 <\/sup>and a recent study conducted by Statistics Canada estimates that nearly one in two Canadians could be either an immigrant, or the child of an immigrant by 2036.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

\u201cMany new Canadians come from countries where they don\u2019t participate in activities like swimming and boating for recreation, says Barbara Byers, Public Education Director for the Lifesaving Society. \u201cWhen they come to Canada, where water-based activities are extremely popular, they want to participate, but don\u2019t always have the knowledge or skills they need to be safe. We created this program in multiple languages because we want to reach out to make sure they are prepared before they set out on the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is particularly important as research conducted by the Lifesaving Society has found that while the majority plan to spend time in and around water, new Canadians living in Canada for five years or less, are four times more likely to be unable to swim than those born in Canada. 3<\/sup> This suggests they are at greater risk for drowning.<\/p>\n

Recreational boating is part of the Canadian experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Boating is a very popular recreational activity in Canada. Research indicates that 46% of Canadian adults participate in recreational boating activities.4 <\/sup>A study commissioned by the Lifesaving Society found that 31% of new Canadians planned to participate in boating activities during the summer months.3 <\/sup><\/p>\n

While developing the program, the Lifesaving Society conducted focus groups of new Canadians representing communities whose first languages are Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Tagalog and French. Feedback from the groups confirmed that new Canadians want to embrace activities like boating, which they consider part of the Canadian experience.<\/p>\n

START Boating<\/em> allows users to choose from one of four vessel types \u2013 canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and small outboard motor boat. Many of these vessels represent entry-level craft, those most likely to be operated by those new to boating.<\/p>\n

The most recent comprehensive study on drowning in Canada, the Canadian Drowning Report5<\/sup>, found that together, canoes and powerboats under 5.5 metres, account for 46% of all boating-related deaths in Canada.<\/p>\n

The introductory video begins with a family planning to spend a day on the water, and as the family continues on their journey, the user can click on additional videos that demonstrate:<\/p>\n