Community Operations

Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets

back

Life Jackets and PFDs

Whenever you are travelling in a boat you must wear a life jacket.

The Canadian Ministry of Transport requires a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) be available for every person in the boat. The life jackets and PFDs you choose should be approved for safety by the Ministry of Transport.

A PFD is different from a life jacket. A PFD is less buoyant than a life jacket and won't turn you over on your back like a life jacket will.

You should wear a PFD at all times when out in a boat. A PFD will provide different amounts of protection depending on your body type and size. A PFD will offer some support in helping you stay afloat but it does not offer the same amount of support as a life jacket.

To get the best use from your life jacket or PFD, follow these rules:

  • Try the life jacket on. Make sure you know how to do it up properly.
  • If possible, try the life jacket out in the water. This way it will be a little more familiar.
  • Wade into chest deep water, bend your knees, and let the jacket support you. It should incline you in a backward position with your mouth out of the water.
  • When you swim while wearing your life jacket, try to do a back or side stroke.
  • Do not abuse your life jacket or PFD by using it as a seat cushion or kneeling pad.
  • When wet, life jackets should be dried in the open air, not in front of a fire or other source of direct heat.
  • When dry, life jackets should be stored in a cool, well ventilated place.
  • Do not use harsh detergents, cleaning fluids or gasoline to clean dirty life jackets or PFDs. Never dry-clean these items.

By following these rules, you will have many years of safe use out of your life jacket and personal flotation devices.

For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.