According to OPP marine unit statistics, over the last 12 years, 289 boaters have died on the water and 88% of them were not wearing a PFD (personal floatation device), and more than 85% were in vessels shorter than six metres in length. As part of making the boating experience safer, our partners at the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA) have long encouraged everyone to wear a PFD when on the water, as have the Lifesaving Society, Canadian Safe Boating Council, Boating Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police and others.

This spring, Transport Canada will be seeking input on proposed changes to Small Vessel Regulations which would require all boaters and passengers to wear a PFD on boats. The public review will take place through the Let's Talk Transportation website likely starting in April.

In the meantime, tell FOCA what you think: Should PFD wear become mandatory? Please take FOCA's quick, anonymous survey by April 15.

For more information about this issue, read Cottage Life's recent article: Transport Canada considers making lifejackets mandatory on recreational boats>

For more information, please read the full notice.

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