Victoria Day 2015: Despite 10-year low in boating deaths, OPP urge safety

The Ontario Provincial Police are urging people to exercise caution and wear a life jacket or flotation device if they're boating this long weekend.

There were 20 boating-related deaths last year on OPP-patrolled waterways, a 10-year-low. Still, the OPP is urging caution and is hoping to spread awareness of boating safety by partnering with the Canadian Safe Boating Council to implement Safe Boating Week starting Friday.

"I'd say the majority of the deaths are preventable, considering 17 of the 20 who people died [last year] were not wearing a personal flotation device or lifejacket, people are making poor decisions and its killing them," said OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor. 

The OPP is urging people who might be boating to peruse boat safety tips produced by the Canadian Safe Boating Council.