All Canadian operators of pleasure craft fitted with any type of motor and used for recreational purposes are required to carry proof of competency, such as the Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) card.
Proof of competency is not required in the waters of Nunavut and Northwest Territories at this time. Visit the Boating section of the website for more info about regulations and the PCO card.
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Additional key boating safety tips include:
- Check the forecast. Return to shore in bad weather or rough water conditions.
- Be prepared. Check the condition of your boat and ensure you have sufficient fuel.
- Don't speed. Drive power boats responsibly.
- Carry a cell phone or VHF radio.
- Stay seated. It's easy to fall out of a small boat, canoe or kayak.
- Obey all signs and buoys - especially around dams and hydroelectric facilities.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Send a letter, save a life
Everyone, regardless of age or swimming ability should wear a lifejacket during recreational boating activities.
This fall, Transport Canada has opened public consultation for feedback on an amendment to legislation that would require recreational boaters to wear a lifejacket/PFD while boating. The Lifesaving Society strongly supports mandatory wear of lifejackets/PFDs for all ages, in all recreational vessel types 6 metres or less in length. This includes powerboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and sailboats. Mandatory wear legislation will reduce drownings in Canada and save lives.
Drowning statistics consistently show that around 80% of victims in boat-related fatalities were NOT wearing a lifejacket/PFD. Additionally, powerboats account for 56% of boating-related fatalities.
We need your help. The Society is asking for everyone to download and sign this letter (PDF version / .docx version) or write your own expressing support for mandatory wear and send it by email to MSSRegulations-ReglementsSSM@tc.gc.ca by November 4, 2024. Together, we can save lives by reshaping recreational boating regulations in Canada. For more information on the legislation, visit the Let’s Talk Transportation website.
Here are some additional facts to highlight the importance of mandatory wear.
Myth: Lifejackets are only for children, new boaters, and anyone who isn’t a strong swimmer.
Fact: Lifejackets are for everyone. Drowning statistics consistently show that approximately 80% of people who died in boating-related drownings were not wearing a lifejacket/PFD.
Myth: Lifejackets are bulky and will interrupt boating activities.
Fact: Wearing a lifejacket does not have to be cumbersome or bothersome, there are many styles for different activities. They come in a variety of styles and colours, including inflatable lifejackets, which are slim, comfortable, stylish and safe.
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Myth: Having a lifejacket on board the boat is enough, you can put it on when you need it.
Fact: You must be wearing a lifejacket for it to work. Trying to put a lifejacket on before you capsize, or while in the water, is like trying to buckle your seatbelt right before your car crashes - it's impossible. Anxiety, wave-action, weeds, clothing and especially cold water are all working against your ability to swim to safety. The simple act of wearing a lifejacket can save your life by buying you precious time until someone can rescue you.
Myth: Drowning only happens on small boats, like canoes and kayaks.
Fact: Powerboating accounts for over 50% of recreational boating-related fatalities in Canada, compared to canoeing at 23% and kayaking at 7%. Wear rate studies across the country show that Canadians are more likely to wear lifejackets while on canoes, kayaks or personal watercrafts than power boats.
Myth: While fishing – trolling or stationary – lifejackets are not necessary.
Fact: Fishing is a high-risk activity for drowning deaths in Canada. In 34% of recreational boating-related fatalities, the deceased was fishing from the boat prior to the incident. The most frequent watercraft involved in recreational fishing incidents was a small powerboat (44%), followed by a canoe (21%). A reduction in these drownings requires fishers and anglers to wear lifejackets, even while trolling and stationary. Fishing, by nature, can cause instability in a boat and lead to capsizing or boaters going overboard into the water. Wearing a lifejacket keeps the boater at the surface allowing them re-board their vessel or call for help.
Learn to Swim
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. The Lifesaving Society offers training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
Our Swim for Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water Smart® education that will last a lifetime.
Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. Swim to Survive is not a subsititute for swimming lessons; instead, it defines the minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. People of all ages should be able to perform the Society's Swim to Survive standard.