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Life jackets

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Life jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) don’t just help keep you safe, they are required by law in Canada. The Small Vessel Regulations make it mandatory for you to have enough Canadian approved buoyancy aids of appropriate size for everyone on board your pleasure craft.

There are two exceptions to that law. For people with a chest size in excess of 140 cm or for children weighing less than 9 kg (20 lbs.), an appropriately sized life jacket or PFD is not possible, nor required. There are currently no flotation devices manufactured for these two groups of people.

When choosing between a lifejacket and personal flotation device, you need to consider which boating activities each is approved for. If you’re not sure which type of lifesaving apparatus you need, consult the Lifejackets and PFDs page of the Transport Canada website at www.tc.gc.ca for a detailed outline and explanation.

Once you know which device to keep on board, always make sure that the labels clearly state the product as being "Approved by Department of Transport Canada" or "Approved by Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans" for optimum safety and regulation compliance.

If you’re looking for life jackets, you have three types to choose from. All must be red, orange or yellow and worn loosely to allow water to flow beneath and turn the wearer face up in the water.

The SOLAS is a high performance, foam filled or inflatable life vest that can legally be used as a substitute for any buoyancy aid on all vessels in Canadian waters. This device comes equipped with retro-reflective tape and a whistle.

Standard Type lifejackets are also approved for all vessels on Canadian waters and are outfitted with reflective tape and a whistle.

A Small Vessel lifevest is available in keyhole or vest style, has less flotation than a Standard lifejacket but is approved for use on small passenger vessels. It will turn you face up in the water initially but you’re taking a chance, as it may not do so every time. This type of life jacket may or may not have reflective tape and a whistle.

Whichever style you choose, remember to let your life jacket or life vest dry thoroughly and put it away where it won’t be harmed by UV rays. That way, your lifejacket will last until it’s outgrown or needs to be replaced.