Do I Need to Wear a Lifejacket on My B.C. Boat?
As a B.C. boat owner, do you need to bother with lifejackets? Are you legally required to wear a lifejacket?
It’s possible that you don’t think that personal flotation devices (PFDs) are necessary because you, your family, and friends all know how to swim. Maybe you think that as a responsible boat owner, you don’t need to bother with life vests when you’re out boating.
A lifejacket can save your life even if you know how to swim.
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Do I need to have lifejackets on my boat in British Columbia?
One of the highest, if not the highest, fatality risks while boating is drowning.
Transport Canada says you are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (personal flotation device) on board for each person on your B.C. boat.
Do I have to wear a lifejacket on my B.C. boat?
While you must have PFDs available on your British Columbia boat, Canadian law currently does not mandate that boaters wear the lifejackets while boating.
Putting safety first, you should wear a lifejacket while out on B.C.’s waterways. It’s a good idea to have brightly colored lifejackets for better visibility, especially in smaller, open boats.
How do I choose a lifejacket as a B.C. boater?
Look for a lifejacket or a personal floatation device with a label that says it has been approved by:
- Transport Canada
- Canadian Coast Guard
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Here are the safety features that you need:
- Snug but comfortable
- Large enough collar to support your head
- Crotch strap: If the lifejacket has a crotch strap, make sure it's properly secured.
For adults: Your chest size is the primary factor to determine the correct size, not your weight. Remember to measure your chest when buying a PFD for yourself and family members.
Remember that B.C. boat insurance is an investment to protect you, your passengers, and your boat.
How do I choose a lifejacket for my child?
A lifejacket for your child should fit snugly and not ride up over their chin or ears. There should be less than 7.6 cm (3 inches) between your child’s shoulders and the lifejacket.
Your child’s lifejacket should have a safety strap that goes between the legs to prevent it from slipping over your child's head.
What can happen if your child’s life jacket is too big: It can fail to properly support their head and neck and it can slip up or ride up, interfering with their ability to breathe and to float.
How can a lifejacket help you in cold water?
In cold water, a life jacket helps keep you buoyant and provides some thermal protection, which can help prevent hypothermia.
If you suddenly fall into cold water, it’s a shock to your system and can affect breathing, nerves, and muscle strength. A lifejacket gives you some thermal protection and keeps you floating.
Are there lifejackets for my pet?
How can I prevent my dog or my pet from drowning?
Just like humans, your pet should wear a life jacket for safety when out boating with you on British Columbia’s waterways. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, they can get tired and need help getting back on board.
Make sure to get a lifejacket that is designed for your pet species and fits them properly.
Final thoughts
Lifejackets (PFDs) can prevent drowning and keep you afloat if you get tired and are waiting to be rescued. A lifejacket can increase your chances of survival in cold water where hypothermia can set in quickly.
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