Transport Canada is seeking feedback about the possibility of making personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets mandatory for recreational boaters.
Not using a PFD or lifejacket is the leading cause of death among recreational boaters, accounting for 89% of fatalities, officials stated in a Let’s talk Transportation bulletin. Canada averages 111 recreational boating deaths annually.
Research projects re-examining mandatory PFDs/lifejackets were launched in 2018 by Transport Canada and safety partners. It found most people who died in boating mishaps weren’t wearing a PFD or lifejacket, were adults, and were aboard powerboats.
The most common incident that led to a death was a capsized vessel, followed by a person falling or being thrown overboard, officials stated.
PFDs criteria created
This research helped develop criteria to consider when developing options for mandatory wear requirements of PFDs/lifejackets in certain circumstances when boating recreationally. They are based on three categories: age requirements, vessel length, and vessel type.
“Any potential requirements would only apply while a vessel is moving, so as not to impact other activities like anchoring the boat and swimming,” officials stated. “Given the complexity of this issue, we may consider a combination of different criteria, based on data and public feedback.
For more background, or to complete the survey, visit: https://letstalktransportation.ca/lets-talk-making-personal-flotation-devices-lifejackets-mandatory-for-recreational-boaters
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) will be seeking input from anglers and hunters in the coming weeks.
Leave life jacket regs alone !!!!!!! Almost always drowning involves drinking, drugs and not knowing how to swim! Trolling at 1.5 mph in my aluminum fishing boat on a hot calm day doesn’t require a life jacket 99.99999 % of the time.
Stop with encouraging a nanny state.
I just read about the PFD survey in the ODF magazine for November/ December. Upon trying to find the site I discovered that all discussion was closed and only a few comments. Perhaps this open discussion should be extended so that we could have the opportunity to add our comments.
As for the 111 deaths on the water of which about 90 were with those who didn’t wear a PFD were involved is an oversimplification of the problem and requiring everyone to wear a PFD while on the water is a poor solution. This reminds me of a proposed legislation to require PFD use when within 10 meters of water. That didn’t pass fortunately. Let’s face it, you cannot legislation against stupidity or just plain accident.
Leave the rules as they are now.