Life-jackets a must when boating, Red Cross says

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This article was published 18/05/2012 (5142 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The mayor likes her life-jacket in pink — her campaign colour and fittingly, a smart safety choice.

Brightly coloured vests make for better visibility in the water especially during an emergency — that is, if the person is wearing one in the first place.

Yesterday was National Lifejacket Day, and some members of the community, including the mayor at a number of events, donned vests on dry land to raise awareness about boat safety.

By law, boats must be equipped with a Canadian coastguard-approved life-jacket or PFD for each person on board, in their appropriate size. The life-jackets should allow for free movement and be comfortable, but snug.

“It doesn’t work if you don’t wear it,” said Cameron Taylor, president of BOATsmart! Canada.

While the law doesn’t require people to wear the vests, it’s something the Canadian Red Cross wants people to consider this weekend, especially when cold water submersion is still a risk.

Manitobans have been treated to an early start to summer, but water 20 C and below is considered “cold.” Sudden cold water immersion quickly cools the skin and leads to a numbing of the muscles and an inability to move within 10 to 15 minutes. Wearing a lifejacket will keep the head up and out of the water, regardless of consciousness, until help arrives.

Like most accessories, life-jackets don’t last forever — test all vests before boating by walking into waist-deep water, dropping down and attempting to float. If it holds, the life-jacket is safe for the water.

Boating safety extends further than wearing a vest at all times. Getting a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required of all power-boat operators; regardless of the size and speed of the vessel.

“We do encourage all members of the family to get the card, so that everyone in the boat understands how to boat safely and what to do in an emergency,” Taylor said.

The fine for operating a power boat without a card is $250. If the long weekend has arrived too soon, certification can be done online at boatsmartexam.com at a cost of $49.99. Exams can also be done in person, for ten dollars less, at the Canadian Tire on 18th street. Families certifying more than one member receive a discount.

Planning and preparing for a boating trip ahead of time will ensure all safety equipment is properly onboard. If it’s an impromptu ride on the water, don’t forget to bring a whistle, rope, flashlight, paddle, and life-jackets among other items that may be a necessity for certain boats such as a fire extinguisher and anchor.

“Make sure you have your batteries, keys, gas, and boat plug,” said Rick Linski, manager at Action Power. “Without any of these you won’t be able to go.”

Linski also reminds those boating this weekend to ensure trailer licenses are up to date, along with the boat registration number.

“The police will be out looking for that,” Linski said. “And no drinking and driving — you can save the drinking for later, when you’re on dry land.”

The Canadian Red Cross warns those planning on consuming alcohol onboard that the effects on balance, judgement and co-ordination are different than on land. Factors such as sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion can contribute to a harsher “drunk” effect while boating.

» dponticelli@brandonsun.com

Life-jacket checklist:

Keeping safe while boating starts with finding the right life-jacket or personal floatation device.

If you’re out looking for a vest this weekend, here are a few things to consider:

• Is it Canadian-approved?

• Will it support the person it was made for?

• Are all the snaps, belts, ties, tapes and/or zippers in good condition?

• Is it easy to put on and take off?

• Can you move your arms freely when wearing it?

• Does it let you bend at the waist?

• Can you see the ground at your feet and walk over obstacles easily?

• Does it keep your head above water?

• Can you swim and manoeuvre easily in the water?

• Have you attached a whistle to your flotation device?

If you forget to take this checklist with you, speak to a sales associate — then have a great weekend on the water.

» Canadian Red Cross