3 Nova Scotia drownings spark kayak safety warnings

After three people drowned in Nova Scotia over the weekend, safety experts are sharing tips to avoid more deaths.

Shauna Moulten, a water safety expert with Canadian Red Cross, said many deaths can be prevented if people swim in lifeguard-protected zones or swim with a friend if they go elsewhere.

Swimmers should go in feet-first to avoid finding rocks with their head.

Boaters should always wear a personal flotation device, she said.

"We have a free PFD loans program. If you don't have a PFD and you're out in a boat for the weekend, stop by one of our service centres and borrow a PFD," she said.

People often run into surprisingly cold water on hot days, which can add to the confusion and danger.

Boaters should also have a whistler to summon help. "The whistle's going to last a lot longer than your voice in cold water," Moulten explained.

For extra safety, put PFDs on your small children when they're in the water.

Hang onto your boat

Adam Zita works for East Coast Outfitters and Canoe-Kayak Nova Scotia.

He compares storing your PFD in the boat to keeping your bike helmet zipped up in your backpack you're unlikely going to have time to get it on in an emergency.

"Wear your life jacket. It's pretty simple."

He said kayaking with a friend can help with your rescue, and keeping near the shore also makes it easier to get yourself out of the water.

"If you do fall in, you should do one of two things: you should hold onto your boat, or hold onto your paddle," he said.

Watch the videoto see Zita demonstrate a kayak rescue.