Risk Factors for Boating Incidents in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada

Abstract

Injury prevention programs that focus on boating and water safety in the Northwest Territories (NWT) have existed for decades; however, rates of boating incidents are much higher in the NWT than southern Canada. To better understand this health disparity, we engaged in community-based participatory research informed by postcolonial feminist theory to examine Aboriginal men's understandings of the risk factors that contribute to boating incidents in Inuvik, NWT. Participants identified four main risk factors for boating incidents in Inuvik: 1) Gender, 2) age, 3) place, and 4) lack of boating safety education. As a result of these findings and the ways in which they are strongly related to culture, we argue that local community-based approaches should be employed to design and implement boating safety strategies in communities in the NWT.

Missing masculinities: The need for gender transformative approaches in water safety promotion for men

“…1,8,9,12 Indeed, scholars have found that some men do not wear lifejackets because they want to avoid appearing unskilled or "less manly". 13 Some may assume that men who do not identify with hegemonic masculine values would be unlikely to participate in risky behaviours. Importantly, this ignores how men who do not display hegemonic masculinity can be censured by their peers.…”

“…Such behaviours can be described as “hypermasculine” displays 11 that align with hegemonic masculine ideals that assert that men should not be afraid of danger 1,8,9,12 . Indeed, scholars have found that some men do not wear lifejackets because they want to avoid appearing unskilled or “less manly” 13 . Some may assume that men who do not identify with hegemonic masculine values would be unlikely to participate in risky behaviours.…”