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For many people the May long weekend is the first sign of summer, and boats are sure to be on the water.

 

The long weekend coincides with the start of Boat Safety Awareness Week, which runs through Friday.

 

Director of the Canadian Safe Boating Council, Ian Gilson says people need to remember some simple rules before jumping into a boat.

 

 

Gilson adds the water is still quite cold and hypothermia is a very real risk. He says if you fall into the water, you have one minute to get your breathing under control, about 10 minutes of meaningful muscle movement, and about an hour before you lose conciousness.

 

Gilson says if anyone is caught driving any kind of water craft without an operators license, they can face fines of $250.