Yellowknife (Jun 28/06) - Three of four NWT drowning victims were not wearing lifejackets when they died this boating season.

"This is the most basic protective measure for boating, especially in this region where the waters are typically deep and cold," said Chucker Dewar, deputy fire chief for Yellowknife's fire service.

Stuart Neary, who lives in a houseboat on Yellowknife Bay, always keeps a safety vest handy. He uses a boat every time he leaves his home. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo Cold shock danger: Ever hear of "cold shock?" It's the reflexive action a body makes when falling into cold water. Like a hammer to the knee causing a kick, cold shock is automatic. If water is below 15C, the first thing a person does is take a deep breath and if their head happens to be underwater, their lungs fill up with water. Since water is heavy, a body whose lungs are flooded will sink. Once that happens, chances of survival are slim. In the Northwest Territories the lesson is especially important. Since spring, the Territories has seen four drownings, in Bechoko, Faber Lake, Yellowknife Bay and Nahanni Park.

He's experienced in search and rescue operations and he can't understand why people don't wear lifejackets.

He adds that alcohol is often another factor impairing judgment for boaters, either causing accidents or making them worse.

"I think in the North, there is an education factor," he said. "Much the same as people using seatbelts, there is a need for education and enforcement."

According to Transport Canada, nine out of 10 Canadian drowning victims aren't wearing lifejackets.

Stephen Sherburne, manager of the Office of Boating Safety in Yellowknife, a division of Transport Canada, says his department offers free boating courses to anyone interested.

The agency also runs public education campaigns, helps write regulations and monitors Canadian waterways.

He says it's important to constantly remind people to wear lifejackets.

"We do have a lot of people in communities in the North doing boating safety programming," Sherburne says.

"There are opportunities to take (free safety) courses in the NWT, so I would recommend to take them."

Sherburne adds boaters should always tell others where they are going and carry items such as a water pump, a horn, navigation lights and a compass.

"The operator is responsible for boat, passengers and what the boat does, similar to a motor vehicle," he says.

While many groups such as the fire department and Coast Guard Auxiliary participate in victim searches, the enforcement of boating laws is left to the RCMP.

Cpl. Ken Cooper, with the Yellowknife RCMP, says the rules for boating are similar to automobile rules, and similarly enforced.

While the RCMP may not have the resources to patrol every lake in the North, he says officers occasionally give out tickets for everything from impaired driving to waterskiing without a "spotter," - a passenger who tells the driver when to turn around.

Though boaters are not required to wear lifejackets by law, Cooper says there is a fine for anyone caught without one in the boat.

"There is nothing in the law saying you have to wear it," he says. "Obviously, that's the smart thing to do."

Stuart Neary, who lives in a houseboat on Yellowknife Bay, always travels with a lifejacket.

He says he usually keeps it in the bottom of the boat, but does not wear it.

"I would put it on if things got rough or there was wind," he says. "But you should always have them, just for safety."

- With files from Jason Unrau