Mr. Speaker, in the eight years between 1983 and 1991 there were 111 drownings in the NWT. Most of the victims were between the ages of 15 and 24 and more than half of the tragedies were caused by careless boating practices where none of the victims were wearing life jackets. Even more sadly, the misuse of alcohol was at least part of the cause for 35 per cent, or 39 of these drownings.
Mr. Speaker, during 1993, my department will be renewing the call to the boating public to practice water safety. We will be distributing new water safety literature, hosting a territorial-wide poster contest, and training summer aquatic instructors in communities to teach the merits of safe practices on the open water.
It is important for boat owners and operators to remember that under the law, enough life jackets must be carried on board for all passengers. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are responsible for enforcing the law. The Department of Renewable Resources promotes water safety through the sport fishing guide and courses on firearm safety. With the boating season approaching I would encourage all residents to follow safe boating practices. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause