6 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2023 BOATING By Andrew Hurlbut, Chair, Boating, Safety, and The State of Boating: Emergencies Committee In Canada, more than 12.4 million people enjoy recreational boating annually, and participation is increasing. On average 111 people die each year in recreational boating accidents in Canada. While the overall number of fatalities has been declining since 1990, the average number of deaths due to improper use or absence of a personal flotation device (PFD) has not. In 2020, because of travel restrictions brought on by the pandemic, there was a significant increase in recreational boating interest and a rise in fatalities. The stats tell the story. Not wearing a PFD or improper use of a PFD is a factor in 89 per cent of marine fatalities. Victims are overwhelmingly adults, and 90 per cent are male, with small power boats and canoes being the vessels involved most often in fatalities. Initiatives The Mandatory PFD Wear Initiative began in 2019 when Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS) began working with a behavioural scientist to examine PFD use. In 2020, TCMS conducted an online survey, and in 2021 they conducted an observational study on site. Last year TCMS tested new messaging approaches to encourage PFD use. Concurrently, in summer 2021, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the OPP conducted an aerial observation study of PFD usage on the water in four Ontario locations. The Drowning Prevention Research Centre also produced a report in 2021 using coroner’s data to chart recreational boatingrelated fatalities in Canada from 2008 to 2017. Results Online survey ≥ Although 47.8 per cent of online survey respondents reported they always wear a PFD, results varied widely depending on activity, skill level, and vessel type. ≥ Participants across all skill levels agreed that not wearing some flotation device while boating was irresponsible. Onsite Observations ≥ Observations at 10 marinas showed the PFD wear rate was 67 per cent for minors under 18 and 29 per cent for adults. ≥ Children aged 6 - 12 had a wear rate of 75 per cent. ≥ Women had a 38 per cent wear rate. ≥ Men had a 31 per cent wear rate. ≥ Wear rates were lower in larger vessels. Passengers were 46 times more likely to wear a PFD when the operator was also wearing one, indicating a role modelling effect. Fatality Report ≥ The fatality report showed that adult males in smaller boats and not wearing a PFD are the most common victims. Policy Options The results from these studies were analyzed to develop policy options for potential mandatory wear requirements. The proposed options are primarily based on three categories: boater age, vessel length, and vessel type. The main objective is to identify options with the most significant potential to reduce fatalities. Transport Canada recognizes that legislation alone is insufficient to reduce fatalities and improve wear rates. Ongoing education and outreach initiatives are needed to help people understand the importance of safety and encourage positive safety behaviours. As such, in 2022, TC conducted a study on the effectiveness of messaging. Next Steps Policy options for mandatory wear were sent in November 2022 to safety and enforcement groups, including police forces, safety organizations, and manufacturing associations, for review and feedback. It is important for our members that a Let’s Talk Transportation survey on the subject is scheduled for this year. There will be lots of input and discussion, but the prevailing sense is that the result will include regulations for mandatory PFD wear for all vessels six metres and less. Safety Requirements It is a legal requirement for all vessels to have a Transport Canada (TC) or Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) approved life jacket or PFD on board and readily accessible for each passenger on your boat. The tag inside the life jacket must show that it is certified and approved by either Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard. Be aware that there are Mandatory PFD Wear Initiative
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