Personal Floatation Devices
On waterways policed by the OPP, 81 percent of the deaths were recreational boaters not wearing a lifejacket or PFD. Most of these drownings occur in small open powerboats and non-motorized canoe type vessels. A majority of these victims were males over the age of 36. An average of 140 unnecessary drownings occur every year in Canada.
Many boaters who drown believe they are good swimmers, so they feel that having a PFD on board and within easy reach is good enough. But what good is a PFD that is stored under a seat or under the bow going to be when the unexpected happens? Most drownings happen unexpectedly when small boats capsize or someone falls overboard. The PFD that you leave behind is not much use, especially in cold water.
When choosing a lifejacket follow these simple guidelines: Choose one that is suitable for the activity you are involved in and check the label to make sure that it is Canadian approved and is of the correct size. Finally, make sure it fits snugly.
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