Drowning statistics consistently show that 80% of victims in boating-related drownings were not wearing a lifejacket/PFD. Wearing a lifejacket or PFD is the most effective way to reduce boating-related drownings in Canada.
The Lifesaving Society strongly advocates that lifejackets/PFDs should be worn by all occupants and passengers of all types of recreational craft six metres or less in length while passengers are on-deck and while the vessel is underway.
Many boaters feel false security because they are strong swimmers or because there is a lifejacket within reach. But trying to put a lifejacket on before you capsize, or while in the water, is like trying to buckle your seatbelt right before your car crashes - it's impossible. Anxiety, wave-action, weeds, clothing and especially cold water are all working against your ability to swim to safety.
Most people who drown are within 15 metres of safety. The simple act of wearing a lifejacket can save your life by buying you precious time until someone can rescue you.
Host a Lifejacket Clinic at your facility or in your community with these tips.
Lifejacket Contribution Program
Could your community benefit from more lifejackets being available? Starting a lifejacket lending program is easy, and we want to help! Lifesaving Society Ontario is starting a Lifejacket Contribution Program. You could recieve up to 9 adult-sized Transport Canada-approved lifejackets if your community can match the number requested with child/youth-sized lifejackets.
For details on the application process and a guide to getting a lifejacket lending program up and running in your community, email
lifejackets@lifeguarding.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Learn to Swim
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. The Lifesaving Society offers training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
Our Swim for Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water Smart® education that will last a lifetime.
Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. Swim to Survive is not a subsititute for swimming lessons; instead, it defines the minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. People of all ages should be able to perform the Society's Swim to Survive standard.