Ontario Provincial Police marine units continue to see a number of common factors in fatal marine incidents: alcohol, not wearing a life-jacket or PFD, and small vessels.
So far in 2008, 66 per cent of the victims were not wearing a personal flotation device; alcohol was a contributing factor in 38 per cent of the incidents, and all vessels involved were less that six metres in length.
The OPP was kept busy on Ontario's lakes and rivers over the five-day Canada Day weekend. Five people drowned - three were killed in three separate boating incidents and two drowned while attempting to assist others.
"In an emergency you may not have time or be physically unable to get your PFD," Sgt. Dave Harker of the Highway Safety Division – Marine Programs said. "People should wear their personal flotation devices - even on short trips."
Barbara Byers of The Lifesaving Society agrees.
"Most people don't hesitate to wear a seatbelt in a vehicle because they know they will not have time to put it on during a collision. Unfortunately, many choose not to wear a life-jacket or personal flotation device when they are in a boat."
According to The Drowning Report produced by the Lifesaving Society, over the last 20 years, 90 per cent of boaters who drowned were not wearing a PFD. "Sadly, most boating-related drownings could be prevented if boaters wore a personal flotation device," Byers said.
PFDs and life-jackets must be in good condition, have a label that indicates they are approved for use in Canada and be of the appropriate size for the person. "If a PFD or life-jacket has a tear or the label is missing, it must be replaced," Harker said.
Operating a pleasure craft with an insufficient number of personal flotation devices or life-jackets carries a fine of $240 under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act 2001.
