Prince George, B.C. – Don’t forget to be safe if you’re heading out on the water during this weekend’s hot weather, especially if you plan on bringing your kids.

That’s the message from Deanna Udy, swimming and safety program representative with the Canadian Red Cross.

“We’d like to ask parents that they’re making sure they’re actively supervising their children,” she says. “So that involves eyes on the kids all the time, having someone who’s a designated person to be the life guard.”

And if your kids can’t swim, be sure to take the necessary precautions.

“If your children are weak, or non-swimmers, that they’re wearing a life-jacket so you have that second layer of protection.”

Udy says it’s during these hot periods that we see a spike in drownings.

“Yes, absolutely. And it’s not just when we’re in the water that something might happen, it could happen when you’re near the water too.”

Despite safety campaigns every year, she notes the message still hasn’t got through to some.

“47% of Canadians who’ve used boats say they’ve always worn a life-jacket. So more than half are not.”

(According to the BC Coroners Service an average of 80 people die in accidental drownings in B.C. each year).

And Udy adds that while “98 percent of parents say that their children must wear a life-jacket when boating, the majority of kids who drown while boating aren’t wearing one.”

She also reminds adults that drinking and boating don’t mix.

“A very bad idea. Just like when you’re driving, drinking and boating is illegal, and it’s a major contributing factor in boating incidents. It affects decision making.”