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Federally Mandated Lifejacket Wear

Approximately 100 Canadians die each year while boating.  In the overwhelming majority of these deaths, lifejackets/PFDs (personal floatation devices) were not worn.

The Lifesaving Society supports mandatory wear of lifejackets/PFDs for all ages, in all recreational vessel types 6 metres or less in length. This includes powerboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and sailboats.

Transport Canada is accepting public consultation for feedback on proposed legislation that would save lives by requiring recreational boaters to wear a lifejacket/PFD while boating.  This legislation could have a tremendous impact on the number of fatal drownings that result from boating accidents, which is why we need your help to spread the word!

Canadians can participate in this consultation in many ways!  Pick one (or all) of the following to support the Lifesaving Society’s drowning prevention mission and make lifejacket wear mandatory in Canada:

Take the Survey

Take part in Transport Canada’s survey: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/VFZGJVC and support mandatory lifejacket wear for everyone by selecting “Yes” for Question 11.

Provide Comments

Share your thoughts on the legislation with Transport Canada directly by visiting the “Have Your Say” section at the bottom of this webpage: https://letstalktransportation.ca/lets-talk-making-personal-flotation-devices-lifejackets-mandatory-for-recreational-boaters.  This option for feedback closes on November 4, 2024.

Send a Letter of Support

Download a letter template that you can share with your affiliates, friends, family, members, and anyone else you want to encourage to take part: https://lifesaving.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Mandatory-Wear-Letter-Template.docx.  Letters must be sent before November 4, 2024, to meet the Transport Canada deadline for feedback.