With the ice gone and the water open, it's important to think about safety while boating season arrives. 

Things like proper operation, safety wear, and what to do in the event of going overboard are all important. 

Speaking to these and other factors is Logan Gamble, special projects manager from the Live Saving Society. 

"One of the most important things that we always have to remember is to make sure that everybody is always wearing their life jacket," said Gamble. "Because if something happens and you fall into the water, you're floating. It'll keep you warm. It'll be much safer to get it in and out of the water that way."

Outside of remembering to wear life jackets, it's important to know how to safely buckle them and to be sure that they are the appropriate size. Especially for children, the size of a life jacket can change dramatically from year to year and should be updated to ensure effectiveness in the water. 

One thing parents can do to make sure their kids learnt o wear them is to wear them themselves. 

"Parents should be modelling good behaviour to their children by also wearing one," said Gamble. "Because even if you know how to swim, there's still a risk that you could end up drowning or getting injured if you end up in the water."

Knowing what to do when falling out of a boat may seem obvious. Wave down passersby, call out for help, and try to tread water. What may not be obvious is what to do when a boat flips over entirely.

"Make sure that everybody is secured," noted Gamble. "Which if everybody's wearing like a lie jacket, it's a lot easier because they'll be floating."

It's key to note that if you can make it shore, that is a good option, but it may be harder than you expect. 

"Shore is always further away than you think it is," Gamble said. "You're gonna get tired of coming back, so sometimes the best idea is to make sure that you stay with the boat."

Staying with the boat is key when in the middle of larger bodies of water. It gives you something to cling to, and it is much easier to spot than a person. 

If you would like to learn more about boating safety and other water-related preparedness, visit the Life Saving Societies website here.