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At a greater risk of drowning this summer are males, between the ages of 18 and 34, who have been drinking alcohol and are not wearing lifejackets while participating in recreational, on-water activities reports the Lifesaving Society.

"Alcohol and water are a potentially deadly combination, especially if you are male. Alcohol involvement is twice as high among adult male victims than that of women; and every summer lives are needlessly lost to alcohol consumption and boating accidents," says Nicole Liddell, the Lifesaving Society's National President-Elect.

"Canadian drowning statistics demonstrate that over 80 per cent of Canadian drowning victims are male, and that those aged 18-34 are at highest risk," adds Liddell.

Even with the recent changes made to several provincial Highway Traffic Acts providing law enforcement officers with the power to suspend the driver's license, or lay criminal DUI charges against any power boat operator who is found to be over the legal limit of .08, many boaters still choose to put themselves and others at risk on the water.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police, marine fatalities in 2008 are up 200 per cent over the same period last year in Ontario, with 12 people dying in 10 incidents so far this year, up from four for the same period last year. Seven of the 12 victims were not wearing a personal flotation device, and alcohol was a contributing factor in three of the 10 fatal incidents.

"It's ironic; the same people who would never drink and drive in their automobiles often have no reservations about drinking and boating, and it is this type of behavior that contributes to a higher number of drowning fatalities," states Liddell.

The Lifesaving Society urges all Canadians to be safe in and on the water this summer and provides the following tips to boaters:

1. Always wear a lifejacket! — Don't just have one, wear one, both on deck and while the vessel is underway!

2. Boat sober and ride sober — Remember that even one drink can dull your senses, slow your reaction time and impair your judgment!

3. Get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card — Make sure you have your Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) by September 2009 to help you know the boating "rules of the road," how to respond in a boating emergency and how to operate your pleasure craft safely.

4. Ensure that you have the following items in your boat. It's now the law:

a) One approved lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) of the appropriate size for each person on board. Flotation devices must now be the appropriate size for each person on board.

b) One manual propelling device or one anchor with at least 15 meters of rope or chain (approx. 50 feet). This replaces the requirement to carry two oars or two paddles.

c) One bailer or manual pump with sufficient hose to pump water from the bilge over the side of the vessel.

d) Navigation lights must meet applicable standards if the pleasure craft is to be operated after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.

e) A sound signaling device (can be a pealess whistle) or a sound signaling appliance.

f) One Class 5BC fire extinguisher if the vessel is equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating, refrigerating appliance or a fixed fuel tank of any size. The fire extinguisher must now be rated for both "B" (combustible liquids) and "C" (electrical) fires.

g) A buoyant heaving line that is at least 15 m long (approx. 50 ft).

5. Be aware of weather changes and the risks associated with cold water. Make sure you inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.

6. Drive powerboats responsibly — Look before you act, stay low, drive at moderate speeds and use proper lights after dark.