Northern News Services

NNSL (May 29/98) - The Department of Transportation has created a dramatic video hoping to reduce the number of drowning deaths and injuries relating to boating accidents in the NWT.

The video, entitled "Choices We Make", produced in conjunction with the Canadian Coast Guard, consists of 24 minutes of testimony of Northern survivors and relatives of those killed in boating mishaps.

"The idea here is awareness and to reinforce the thought that ... you have to be ready out there," said Transportation Minister Jim Antoine.

Antoine, who is a boater himself, had just completed a 48-kilometre trip up the Mackenzie River from his home in Fort Simpson the night before the Small Boat Safety Awareness Program conference was held at the legislature.

"We felt that testimonials from people in the communities would be the most effective means of reinforcing the message about safety."

The video encourages boaters to wear personal flotation devices or survival suits at all times, have proper safety equipment, ensure the boat is in good working order, be prepared from stormy weather and learn from the experience of elders.

"Alcohol involvement out on the lakes is our concern, too," Antoine noted.

Wednesday was supposed to mark the first public screening of the video but it wasn't available "due to unforseen circumstances," according to a government press release.

Coast Guard spokesperson Sue McDonald said a replacement date will be announced. After the public screening, the video is to air on CBC and TVNC and will be circulated throughout NWT schools.

The department has also created 11 public service announcements that will begin airing in June. Many of them encourage the use of life jackets and discourage alcohol use while boating.

Six communities -- Fort Simpson, Wrigley, Rae, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven and Pelly Bay -- will receive 12 to 15 personal floatation devices and life jackets so boaters can borrow them from the hamlet or band offices.

The NWT has the highest per capita for drowning statistics in Canada, particularly for men between the ages of 16-35. Thirteen Northerners died in the water in 1996.