On lifejackets

Editor’s Note: Transport Canada is seeking feedback about the possibility of making personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets mandatory for recreational boaters. For more background, or to complete the survey, click here. The deadline for submissions is Nov.4, 2024.

I grew up at the tail end of an era when NHL players didn’t have to wear helmets and seatbelts in cars weren’t mandatory. Things change. I was about to add “for the better,” but I have a tough time believing the 2020s are better than the 1970s. Well, more changes may be coming for those who spend time on the water, which is most of us.

Today, boaters must have a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket of an appropriate size, in good working order, and readily accessible for each person in the boat. There is no requirement for anyone to wear it though, including children. Provincial Bill 93, or “Joshua’s law,” was tabled in response to the 2018 death of Joshua Steinburg, an 11-year-old boy who drowned on the St. Lawrence River. The bill seeks to make it mandatory for children 12 or younger to wear a PFD while on a pleasure boat that is “underway,” with fines of $200 for each child not wearing a life jacket.

Stats show 7% of boater drownings in Ontario were age 19, or younger. And, although some US states have mandatory life-jacket laws for kids, most fatalities are adults, which puts into question the effectiveness of youth laws. Some arguments against mandatory PFDs are that they are bulky and cumbersome, especially when fishing, and can overheat you in the dog days of summer.

Lifejackets prevent fatalities

Those arguments might have held water in the days of the old-school canvas keyhole life jackets that were the size of a sofa cushion. For years, however, we’ve had comfortable options from compact full-foam to hydrostatic-release PFDs that go virtually unnoticed. OK, they’re not necessarily cheap, inflatables have maintenance costs, such as CO2 cartridges, and quality PFDs can cost a family of four more than $600.

But what’s the price of a life?

I’ve heard from many readers over the years on this issue. Some are adamant that the laws are outdated and contribute to preventable water fatalities, which could simply be remedied by mandatory-use laws. Others argue that the current state of affairs is fine, wearing life jackets when they feel they’re needed, and that more effort should be placed on messaging and awareness to boaters regarding water safety.

I wear mine as much as possible. Can I honestly say 100% of the time? No, but it’s pretty close.

Should I? Is that for me to decide, or the government?

Originally published in Ontario OUT of DOORS’ 2024 Fishing Annual 

Ray Blades is the Editor of Ontario OUT of DOORS and a lover of wild places and the life-giving magic of hot black coffee. Reach Ray at: ray.blades@oodmag.com; Twitter: @rayOODMAG; Instagram: @ray.blades