BE SAFE AROUND COLD WATER THIS YEAR!

 

cold water workshop water recovery cold water workshop classroom

The Canadian Safe Boating Council hosts both in person and virtual workshops facilitated by Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht (aka Professor Popsicle) of the University of Manitoba and world-renowned expert in hypothermia.

To find out more about taking part in our next workshop or to host your own for your organization, click here.

Maybe you’re just interested in finding out a little more about how our bodies react to cold water immersion. You may be a first responder wanting to learn more about how to maximize the survival of potentially hypothermic individuals you’re called upon to rescue, these workshops are for you. These give you a great grounding in the following:

  • Understanding the Myths Around Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia

  • How Our Bodies React to Heat and Cold Stimuli

  • 4 Ways Our Bodies Lose Heat

  • What Happens to Our Bodies When Immersed in Cold Water

  • Immersion vs. Submersion in Cold Water

  • Cold Water Survival and Thermal Protective Clothing

  • How to Get Back in Your Boat Should You Fall Overboard and are Alone
  • Basic First Response… When You’re The Only One Who Can Help!

  • Victim Extraction, Packaging, Triage and Transport to EMS
  • The Decision to Stay or Swim When You’re on Your Own
  • Ice Assisted and Self-Rescue

 

Virtual Workshops

Our virtual workshops are held over two evenings totaling 5 hours. The cost to register is $100.

Workshops are 8-10:30 pm ET

Please note that the course instruction will be in English only.


Those wishing to register can do so for events on the following 2024-2025 dates:



Tuesday, March 18 & Thursday, March 20, 2025


 

For more information, contact Ian Gilson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  

In-Person Workshops

We will continue offering in-person workshops to educate people on the dangers of cold water immersion based on demand. If you are interested in participating in an in-person workshop in the future, please contact Ian Gilson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and he will get in touch with where and when the next workshop is planned.

We will be running a full slate of virtual workshops next fall and winter. These workshops cover the same content of our in-person workshops, but without the hands-on and instructor components.

 

5 Key Steps to Safer Boating

5 steps lifejacket

Wear Your Lifejacket

Legally you must carry one on board, appropriately sized for each passenger. But don’t just carry it, WEAR IT.

5 steps lifejacket

Boat Sober

Boating under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs or prescription narcotics, is illegal, irresponsible and potentially deadly. Leave any such substances until you return to the dock.

5 steps lifejacket

Take a Boating Course

The law requires that anyone operating a power-driven boat must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card OR other accredited proof of competency and it must be carried on board.

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Be Prepared - You and Your Vessel

Ensure your boat has all the required safety gear and sufficient fuel. Be sure the weather is suitable for your vessel’s capabilities.

5 steps lifejacket

Be Cold Water Safe

Cold water is a significant risk. Learn how to protect yourself.