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Drowning Prevention Week has the provincial RCMP looking to make sure that people are aware of how to stay safe on the water, with one key component being life jackets. Life jackets are an essential part of any watercraft activities, whether that be on a large pontoon boat or kayaking by yourself.
Corporal Jamie Diemert, the F Division Underwater Recovery Team Coordinator, has a lot fo experience with watercraft safety and the consequences if people choose to go without those safety measures.
"Life jackets are very important; they're the easiest way to prevent drowning mishaps on lakes and rivers. About 80 per cent of the drownings are related to not wearing either PFDs or life jackets."
In order to stay safe while wearing a life jacket, Diemert encourages people to make sure they have the proper life jackets that will keep them safe.
"Not all PFDs or life jackets are the same. They do have different weight restrictions and size restrictions, so make sure you have the one that's for you, and make sure it's properly adjusted with all the zippers and the buckles done up."
Making sure a life jacket is secured is important for more than just the person putting it on; Diemert says that by seeing adults wear life jackets, children are more likely to wear their own life jackets properly as well.
A life jacket is required for every person on board, and Diemert points out that in other boats, different safety requirements can apply.
"There are certain restrictions, different limitations for human-powered vessels such as a canoe, kayak, or a stand-up paddleboard, in which case you might not have to be able to take extra emergency equipment just by wearing that life jacket".
With Drowning Prevention Week ongoing, Diemert encourages everyone to enjoy the waters this summer, but to be safe while doing so.
You can also find more on water safety as well as boating tips on Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide.