As more Manitobans head out on the water this summer, officials are reminding anglers to wear a life-jacket.
The Lifesaving Society Manitoba and the Canadian Safe Boating Council are teaming up to get the message across ahead of Canada Day long weekend and National Fishing Week, which runs June 29 to July 7.
“In Manitoba, the lack of life-jacket use when they should be worn is a continuing issue,” says Dr. Christopher Love with the Lifesaving Society Manitoba.
“Manitoba continues to meet or exceed the national average with 86 percent of boating fatalities not wearing a life-jacket.”
The Lifesaving Society’s Canadian Drowning Report shows 55 percent of boating deaths occurred during powerboat use. The majority of drowning victims were men between 20 and 60 years of age, often out for a day of fishing.
The society says some anglers believe they don’t require a life-jacket because they’re strong swimmers, but not having support may lead to an emergency in the water should one fall overboard while netting a catch.
Anglers that do purchase a life-jacket or PFD (personal flotation device) should check the label to make sure it’s Transport Canada approved, the correct size and fits snugly.
The full report can be read below.
