Do you know the differences between Lifejackets and Personal Floatation Devices (PFD)? Awareness will keep your child safe on our waterways this summer.
• A lifejacket will turn a child over on their back and keep their face out of water, protecting them in the event of injury or unconsciousness.
• Safety of Life at Seas (SOLAS) lifejackets turn the child over in seconds and meet very high-performance standards.
• Standard Type Lifejackets also turn the child on their back and are Transport Canada approved for all vessels except SOLAS vessels.
• Small Vessel Lifejackets, approved for small vessels turn a child on their back but do so more slowly.
• PFDs, although lighter and less bulky offer less floatation and have limited capability to turn a child over on their back. This could be problematic in cold water, if the child has suffered an injury or is unconscious. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited in small vessels for children under 16 years of age who weigh under 80 lbs.
The Small Vessel Regulation only requires that a lifejacket or a PFD in the appropriate size for each passenger be on board the vessel. Passengers, including children are NOT required to wear a lifejacket or PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not permitted to be on board the small vessel for children under 16 years of age yet, those same children not required by law to wear a life jacket or PFD in the first place. Makes no sense, right? We agree.
Change the law. Save a Life. Because losing one more child, is one too many. Please sign our petition at lifejacketsforlife.com.
For more information about how to choose the right lifejacket or PFD and meet Transport Canada guidelines, go to:
https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/marine/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices.html
