There has been an alarming number of boating deaths in the first part of this year. Police report that 11 people have died to date, compared to just five at this time last year. As is the case every year, the majority of these deaths were preventable. Investigators say nine of the victims were not wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket and that alcohol was a factor in at least three of the incidents. The body of one of the victims has yet to be recovered. All the victims were men between the ages of 18 and 74. All the boats were small, less than six metres long, and two were canoes. Police say the rise in boating fatalities this year is a harsh reminder that everyone on the water needs to take responsibility for their own safety.