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OUR VIEW: Wearing lifejackets saves lives

July 1 to 9 marks National Fishing Week in Canada
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(Black Press photo)

Last week, we told you about our region’s unsafe start to summer, including five close calls and one tragic drowning.

Last week was also National Fishing Week in Canada and the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch took the opportunity to remind anglers about safety.

Wearing your lifejacket is even more important than wearing your ‘lucky fishing hat’ – but both have to be worn to be effective.

READ: UNSAFE SUMMER: It’s the season for close calls and tragic deaths

According to the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the Lifesaving Society, 80 per cent of recreational boaters who drown each year in Canada were not wearing a lifejacket.

“Our 2017 drowning report shows that only 13 per cent were wearing a lifejacket or PFD at the time they were unexpectedly thrown into the water,” says Dale Miller, executive director of the Lifesaving Society.

Many boaters who don’t wear lifejackets believe since they are good swimmers, having them onboard and within easy reach is good enough. But a lifejacket stored under a seat or up in the bow will be of no help when the unexpected happens, like falling overboard.

Many of today’s anglers are delighted with lifejackets designed to suit their needs. They’re rugged, allow for freedom of movement to cast and are designed with lots of pockets for gear.

When choosing their lifejacket, anglers should also check the label to make sure it is Transport Canada approved, is the correct size and fits snugly.

 

Black Press