Life jackets no good if you don't wear them: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Julian Fantino is supporting a review by Transport Canada of legislation to make the wearing of life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFD) mandatory when boating.

He is supporting this review in the wake of a number of boating tragedies on Ontario waterways.

A total of 23 persons lost their lives in 2008 while boating on waterways policed by the OPP, and this year 20 people have perished.

Only two casualties this season were wearing life jackets or PFDs. Since 2000, 350 people have lost their lives in boating incidents and of them, only 13 per cent were wearing life jackets.

"The vast majority of boaters are good, law-abiding people. We know that mandatory life jacket or PFD use will start saving lives immediately," Fantino said, in a release. "It's already been a summer filled with needless tragedy for many families. Many of these deaths would have been prevented," added Fantino.

"By changing current legislation to make the wearing of life jackets or PFDs compulsory for operators and passengers, the lives of many users of Ontario's waterways will be saved," said Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, provincial commander for traffic safety and operational support.

"A life jacket doesn't do you any good stored under the seat or even placed next to you. You have to wear it," he added.

Whether you are a seasoned boater or beginner, OPP statistics show that 70 per cent of deaths this season occurred after the vessel unexpectedly overturned or the occupant fell overboard.