WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET!

Legally, every person on board must have a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Floatation Device) that:

  • Is Canadian Government approved and fits properly
  • Is in good working order. 
  • If not worn, must be kept close at hand.
  • is designed for your specific boating activity.

DIFFERENCES: LIFEJACKETS vs. PFDs

  • Lifejackets have additional floatation in the front and behind the neck to turn an unconscious person over on their back and support their head.
  • PFDs are less bulky and are not guaranteed turn the person on their back and support their head

SIZING

  • Sized as S, M, L, XL, 2XL, etc.
  • Fit should be tested on a regular basis

HIGH IMPACT - Potential Activities

  • For waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, white water canoeing/kayaking or PWC operation – choose high impact model with multiple belts & extra front padding.

ANGLING

Models available with larger arm openings for easier casting and have plenty of pockets for gear.

PADDLING

Models available with:

  • Greater arm openings to prevent chafing
  • Shorter torso so doesn’t ride up while seated
  • More webbing to promote cooling

THERMAL PROTECTION – Floater Suits

  • Available as jackets, coats, full suits or bib & pant combos.
  • Provides floatation and increased levels of thermal protection.
  • Allows water penetration.

CARE & PERFORMANCE

  • Check regularly for holes, split seams or broken buckles/zippers that would render the lifejacket or PFD unserviceable.
  • Performance of the PFD or Lifejacket should be tested annually by wading shoulder high and lifting legs.

CHILDREN'S LIFEJACKETS

Sizing based on weight range & should never be purchased oversize

Features

  • Generally have a floatation collar with grab handle
  • Adjustable straps with crotch strap to prevent lifejacket from coming off in water.

 Fit

  • Ensure snug fit with buckles secure
  • Check arm holes to ensure against chafing
  • Pull up on shoulders to ensure proper crotch strap fit.
  • Check fit on a regular basis

Ask child what colour, pattern they like.  It will be easier to get them to wear it.

INFLATABLE PFDs

  • Cool and comfortable
  • Adjustable; one size fits all
  • Come in vest & pouch styles
  • Automatic or manual inflation modes
  • Inflated via a removable compressed CO2 cylinder
  • Often come with enclosed whistle
  • Are rechargeable for multi-use

Restrictions

  • Must be worn to be legal.
  • Must be minimum 16 years of age
  • Not legal in any activity where wearer could be knocked unconscious

INFLATION MODES

Manual Inflation

  • Will inflate when wearer pulls the tab breaking seal on CO2 cylinder
  • Can also be manually inflated via breathing tube.

Automatic Inflation

  • Check green indicator before each wearing to ensure CO2 cylinder seal is intact.
  • Manually inflate via breathing tube at least annually and leave overnight to check for leaks. If found, replace.
  • Check CO2 cylinder for rust at least annually.

Care & Maintenance

  • Will inflate when wearer enters the water; not if it just gets wet with rain.
  • Inflates based on moisture level and/or water pressure
  • Pull tab serves as manual back-up system.
  • Can also be manually inflated via breathing tube.