Red Cross reminds boaters to stay safe after near-tragic accident

The Red Cross is warning Islanders about the importance of boating safety after a near-tragedy on P.E.I., Sunday

• Good Samaritans credited with helping rescue 2 fishermen

Two men, age71and 49, were fishing in Big Pond, P.E.I.,when their small rowboat overturned, police said. A couple other people fishing nearby heard their cries for help and brought the men to shore. Neither was wearing a flotation device or were strong swimmers, RCMP added.

"They were extremely fortunate. Although they had life jackets in the boat, neither of them were wearing the life jackets, so that's extremely important this time of year," said RCMP Cpl. Scott Stevenson.

"Thankfully they were able to hold onto the boat and the boat didn't sink, otherwise it could have been a different ending."

Close call

It's a close call that should send a message to every boater about the importance of wearing life jackets at all times, said the Canadian Red Cross on P.E.I.

Even strong swimmers can struggle without flotation devices, and cold water can rob swimmers of their strength.

"Especially on P.E.I., the water doesn't warm up until at least the end of July," said Kayla McGuirk, a boating safety officer with the Red Cross.

Within 10 minutes in frigid waters, she said, your body can lose motor movements.

"Even if you're really close to shore, you're still going to lose those movements. So we want to stress wearing your PFD at all times."

Since Transport Canada requires boaters to have a flotation device for each person on a boat, most boaters do have them on board, but McGuirk noted boaters are not required to wear them.

Before you head out on the water, you should also let someone know exactly where you're going and when you plan to be back, police and the Red Cross said.

The Red Cross says Islanders can rent a PFD free of charge during the summer months for up to two weeks by visiting the Red Cross office.