The Lifesaving Society, a Canadian organization that aims to prevent drowning deaths, has recently launched a series of online boating safety videos that target new boaters. The series, called STARTboating, was developed in a number of languages so that it’s accessible to the country’s immigrant population.
“Many new Canadians come from countries where they don’t participate in activities like swimming and boating for recreation, said Barbara Byers, Public Education Director for the Lifesaving Society, in a press release. “When they come to Canada, where water-based activities are extremely popular, they want to participate, but don’t 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.”
STARTboating is available in English, French, Mandarin and Cantonese. Hindi and Tagalog versions will be available in early August. The interactive video series guides viewers through basic skills needed to safely boat. Viewers can choose videos that focus on one of four vessel types: A canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and small outboard motorboat.
Learn more and check out the videos at startboating.ca.
