Approximately 100 Canadians die each year while boating. Lifejackets/PFDs (personal floatation devices) were not worn in an overwhelming majority of these preventable deaths. Transport Canada has opened public consultation for feedback on an amendment to legislation that would require recreational boaters to wear a lifejacket/PFD while boating. This mandatory wear legislation will reduce drowning in Canada and save lives.

The Lifesaving Society supports mandatory wear of lifejackets/PFDs for all ages, in all recreational vessel types 6 metres or less in length. This includes powerboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and sailboats.

Lifejackets are suffering from a perception problem. Many Canadians wrongfully think that lifejackets are only for new boaters, weak swimmers and children. Lifejackets are for everyone. The Lifesaving Society wants to debunk the myths surrounding lifejackets so that Canadian’s can make an informed decision on the proposed mandatory lifejacket wear legislation.

Myth: Lifejackets are only for children, new boaters and anyone who isn’t a strong swimmer.

Fact: Lifejackets are for everyone. Drowning statistics consistently show that approximately 80% of people who died in boating-related drownings were not wearing a lifejacket/PFD.

Myth: Lifejackets are bulky and will interrupt boating activities.

Fact: Wearing a lifejacket does not have to be cumbersome or bothersome, there are many styles for different activities. They come in a variety of styles and colours, including inflatable lifejackets, which are slim, comfortable, stylish and safe.

Myth: Having a lifejacket on board the boat is enough, you can put it on when you need it.

Fact: You must be wearing a lifejacket for it to work. Trying to put a lifejacket on before you capsize, or while in the water, is like trying to buckle your seatbelt right before your car crashes - it's impossible. Anxiety, wave-action, weeds, clothing and especially cold water are all working against your ability to swim to safety. The simple act of wearing a lifejacket can save your life by buying you precious time until someone can rescue you.

Myth: Drowning only happens on small boats, like canoes and kayaks.

Fact: Powerboating accounts for over 50% of recreational boating-related fatalities in Canada, compared to canoeing at 23% and kayaking at 7%. Wear rate studies across the country show that Canadians are more likely to wear lifejackets while on canoes, kayaks or personal watercrafts than power boats.

Myth: While fishing – trolling or stationary – lifejackets are not necessary.

Fact: Fishing is a high-risk activity for drowning deaths in Canada. In 34% of recreational boating-related fatalities, the deceased was fishing from the boat prior to the incident. The most frequent watercraft involved in recreational fishing incidents was a small powerboat (44%), followed by a canoe (21%). A reduction in these drownings requires fishers and anglers to wear lifejackets, even while trolling and stationary. Fishing, by nature, can cause instability in a boat and lead to capsizing or boaters going overboard into the water. Wearing a lifejacket keeps the boater at the surface allowing them re-board their vessel or call for help.

Have your voice heard and email Transport Canada and tell them that you believe mandatory PFD/Lifejacket use should be in place for those of all ages on any vessel 6 metres in length or less.  

You can find different version for you to copy, sign, and send to MSSRegulations-ReglementsSSM@tc.gc.ca

PDF copy here

Word Document here

If you are on your phone click here