REGINA — Saskatchewan RCMP reminds all boaters and passengers to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) onboard any personal watercraft, always.
Wearing a life jacket is the single best way to prevent fatal drowning while boating or doing water-based activities, and although the sun is shining, many Saskatchewan lakes are still very cold. Wearing a life jacket is also the best defence for surviving cold-water shock and hypothermia if you find yourself unexpectedly overboard.
Saskatchewan RCMP have these added tips for life jacket and PFD use:
- Ensure it’s in wearable condition – check for holes or tears and assess buoyancy by doing a water submersion test before putting it on.
- Wear it properly. Don’t wear life jackets backwards or upside down. Even if it might seem fun, proper use is always safest.
- Fasten all zippers and buckles and adjust straps for a snug fit.
- Follow the weight and size restrictions indicted.
- Always wear an approved life jacket or PFD – look for a Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, or Fisheries and Oceans Canada label. All approved lifejackets in Canada have one.
Show children that safety is important
“Leading by example is the best way to teach kids good safety habits, and wearing lifejackets together helps keep everyone safe out on the water,” says Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team Coordinator Cpl. Jamie Diemert. “Children should also wear a life jacket or PFD when playing on inflatable water toys, as they can easily be upturned, and waves, currents, or wind can carry them to unsafe areas.”
Saskatchewan RCMP encourages parents and family members to show children the importance of safety by always wearing their own lifejacket or PFD.
Water sports, canoes, kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)
RCMP caution the public not to take safety for granted on smaller watercraft or during water sports such as paddle boarding, wake boarding or water skiing. Ankle or wrist leashes (tethers) on small vessels and sporting goods should not be relied upon to prevent drowning incidents.
In Canada, more than 80% of fatal drownings happen when the individual is not wearing a life jacket or PFD. Stay safe on the water - wear a life jacket or PFD at all times.
