By: Sarah Grishpul
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say many accidental deaths on the water can be prevented if boaters wear a life jacket.
Sergeant Dave Moffatt, the OPP provincial marine coordinator, believes that people don’t want to wear a personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket because they don’t understand the dangers of boating.
Last year, 32 people in Ontario died in boating accidents, the highest number of boating fatalities in the past 10 years. This year, already four people have died in boating accidents.
Moffatt reveals that 91 per cent of those fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a properly fitted life jacket or PFD.
With many life jackets and PFD products available for boaters, Moffatt believes there shouldn’t be an excuse for not wearing one.
Inflatable PFDs are designed for wearability and can automatically inflate when a person has fallen overboard. Although they are over $200, Sergeant Moffatt says that they are worth every single penny.
With Lake Simcoe’s shallow waters and high waves, boaters should also be aware of the dangers and identify the risks before going out.
Boaters can avoid boating accidents by checking the weather conditions, being mindful of their vessel’s capabilities, telling people their location, being aware of the effects of cold water immersion, taking a boating course, and of course, wearing a life jacket or PFD.
According to the Canada Shipping Act, the fines for not wearing a properly fitting life jacket or PFD is $200 for the operator of the vessel and $100 for every passenger.
“When you leave your dock during the day, you’re expecting to go home at night, and we want to make sure everyone goes home at night,” Moffatt said. “So, wear your PFD, people.”
View Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide at: www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety.
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