The Personal - Keeping Your Head Above Water

Most drownings occur way out at sea, right? Wrong! Fact is, 9 out of 10 drownings occur in inland waters, most within a few feet of safety, and most involve boats less than 6 metres in length.

If there is one thing and one thing only you learn and put into practice after reading this safety information it’s wear your lifejacket or PFD!

Sadly, most of the victims who have drowned or died from hypothermia in a boating incident owned a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) but they weren’t wearing it when they unexpectedly ended up in the water. And contrary to what many boaters think, it’s very hard to put a lifejacket on in the water.

It's the Law

The law requires boats to be equipped with a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD of an appropriate size for each person on board.

Choosing a Personal Flotation Device

When it comes to choosing a PFD, the Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends bright colours for better visibility. PFDs are now available in many bright colours and activity-appropriate styles. Just check the label to ensure that the PFD is approved by the Canadian Coast Guard.

Choose a PFD that is comfortable and allows free movement, including walking and sitting. Try it on and do up all zippers and belts. Pull up on the collar to ensure it does not ride up and interfere with movement or breathing.

Inspect your PFD or lifejacket frequently. Ensure seams are intact, and that snaps, belts or zippers work. If you happen to choose an inflatable type PFD be aware that certain restrictions and criteria apply.

Facts about Drowning

• Most drownings occur 10 feet or less from safety.
• Most drownings result from three major contributing factors:
  
  1. Inability to swim
  2. Effects of cold water (hypothermia)
  3. Alcohol
  
  
• Drowning occurs rapidly and soundlessly, averaging 20 seconds for small children and less than a minute for adults.
• To the untrained bystander, a drowning person may appear to be waving, clowning around or splashing.
• The three best ways to prevent drowning while boating:
  
  1. Learn to swim
  2. Always wear your lifejacket
  3. Don’t consume alcohol

Note: Information on this page is based on Boat Smart from the Start – A Family Guide to Safe and Responsible Boating, produced by Blaicher Marketing International Inc. in partnership with Reader’s Digest

Source: http://www.ibc.ca/en/besmartbesafe/boating_safety/head_above.asp

If you have further questions or require additional information about boating safety, please visit the
Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety website.