Isn’t it obvious? Life jackets save lives

OPP urges everyone heading out on the water to wear a life jacket or personal floatation device as seen in this file image. PHOTO: CTV NEWS

Don’t just bring it; wear it.

That’s the strong message from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

It is urging everyone heading out on the water to make one life-saving choice: wear your life jacket, every time, every ride.

Despite calm conditions and proximity to shore, many boating-related drownings occur when people least expect danger. Most of these tragedies happen in small vessels, like canoes and kayaks.

Last year, nearly 80% of all boating fatalities involved people who were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).

Adult males accounted for almost 90% of all boating fatalities on OPP patrolled waters.

According to the Drowning Prevention Research Centre of Canada, 35% of water-related fatalities in Ontario are linked to swimming.

Another 13% are attributed to just walking, running, or playing near water.

Young children, weak swimmers, and non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket when near water, even in shallow areas.

Supervision and wearing a life jacket are the easiest way to avoiding tragedy.

What you can do:

• Always wear a properly fitted, Transport Canada (TC) approved life jacket
• Modern life jackets are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to save lives.
• Ensure there is a properly sized life jacket for every person on board
• Keep all required safety equipment easily accessible and ready to use
• Set the example, especially for children and new boaters
• Check weather and water conditions before heading out