Rankin Inlet (July 16/03) - If there is one thing that communities in the Kivalliq have in common it's they are all on the water.

According to the Life Saving Society, drowning is the second highest accidental killer in Canada, right behind motor vehicle accidents.

Life Saving Society 2002 drowning report: 5,889 Canadians drowned 94 drowned in the NWT and Nunavut 83 per cent of drowning deaths are males 86 per cent of deaths are recreational or daily living accidents 90 per cent of deaths victims were not wearing a life jacket 42 per cent are alcohol related an increase of 14 per cent since 1998

And, according to Nunavut's 2002 comparative health indicators, accidental deaths are either stable or on the rise in the territory.

The statistics point to a need for people to take notice of water safety before firing up the boat or going out for a swim.

According to the Life Saving Society's latest report 94 people in the Nunavut and the NWT were killed in a boating death.

That is two per cent of the total number of boating deaths nationwide.

The number one cause - people failing to wear a life jacket or personal floatation device while on the water.

"In a boat everybody is required to wear a life jacket," said Cpl. Bob Hodyr, with the Rankin Inlet RCMP.

Not only is it good safety sense, it is also the law.

Being caught without a life jacket, according to Canadian law, could mean a fine of up to $200.

Generally Hodyr said the people in Rankin are pretty safe on the water and they haven't had many problems.

But, boating deaths in the Kivalliq are not unheard of.

Most notably in 2000 was the sinking of the fishing boat Avataq near Arviat that killed four men.

A later investigation blamed improper training as the cause.

The Canadian Coast Guard recommends that all boaters have proper training and safety equipment before going out on the water.

The Coast Guard recommends that boaters carry flares, a first aid kit, extra clothing, food, a flashlight and a communication device, such as a radio or cellular phone.

They also suggest people are properly trained before boating and their craft is inspected regularly.

Finally, it is suggested a trip plan is filed with a responsible person or the coast guard.

These plans outline your route of travel and expected time of return.

For those who spend a lot of time in or around the water - swimming lessons are also encouraged, especially for children.

"Every kid is entitled to basic swimming and water safety training," said Daniel Guay, one of the head guards at the Rankin Pool.

"Nunavut has one of the highest drowning rates in Canada."