Tuesday, July 06, 2004

THE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)
Are You Wearing Yours?

(North Bay, Ontario)
Your safety on the water is paramount to the North Bay OPP Marine Unit. Making sure you have the proper safety equipment on your vessel and for your passengers is important for you and everyone to enjoy the warm months on the waterways.
The law requires boats to be equipped with a Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket of an appropriate size for each person on board (except for any infant who weighs less than 9 kg or any person whose chest size exceeds 140 cm).
Here are some tips according to the Canadian Coast Guard:
- Choose a flotation device that meets your specific needs. Wear it.
- Open the PFD and look at the label -- check for the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans or Department of Transport approval.
- Lifesaving cushions are no longer accepted as approved PFDs.
- Lifejackets come in only orange, red or yellow, offering greater buoyancy and the ability to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.
- In order for an inflatable PFD to meet this requirement, it must be worn while in an open boat, or worn while on deck or in the cockpit or be readily available to persons below deck of vessels with cabins.
- Inflatable PFDs are NOT approved for use by persons less than 16 years of age or weighing less than 36.3 kg. They are also NOT approved for use on Personal Water Crafts (PWC) and inflatable PFDs fitted with an automatic inflator are not permitted for sailboarding.

- Pouch type PFDs are only permitted for rowing and paddling activities.

PFD's now come in a variety of colours and various inflatable configurations. When shopping keep in mind your need for visibility on or in the water. Choosing a brightly coloured PFD will help make you more visible to others.

Finally; children should be encouraged to wear their lifejacket or PFD at all times. Some lifejacket and PFDs are designed specially for children; select the one that best suits your child's size and weight.

Remember: It won't work if you don't wear it! Safety on the water is important. Wear your lifejacket or PFD, it can save your life.