June 30 to July 8 marks National Fishing Week in Canada, so two groups are joining forces to remind anglers of the importance of wearing a life jacket.
The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) stress that a life jacket stored under a seat or up in the bow will be of no help should the unexpected happen, such as falling overboard while trying to net the catch.
“National surveys clearly show that more than half the recreational boats sold in Canada are used for fishing on a regular basis,” says John Gullick, chair of the CSBC.
“During National Fishing Week, the [CSBC] would like to remind all anglers not only to have a life jacket onboard the boat, but to look after it and wear it. If you happen to fall overboard, it will give you the time you need to calm down, catch your breath, assess your situation and effect, or help effect, a rescue.
“In two out of three drownings related to boating, the victims were less than 15 metres from some form of safety.”
Many of today’s anglers are delighted with the models that are designed especially to suit their needs, officials say, adding they’re rugged, allow for full freedom of movement to cast and are constructed with lots of pockets for gear. Some even come equipped with an attachment from which to hang a landing net. When choosing a life jacket, anglers should also check the label to make sure it is Transport Canada approved, is the correct size and fits snugly.
“Ontario offers so much in the way of great fishing opportunities to be enjoyed alongside friends and family, but please remember to think safety first when you’re out wetting a line this summer,” said OFAH executive director Angelo Lombardo.
“Whether you’re at a park fishing the shoreline or out in a boat enjoying the open water, make safety a priority and wear a life jacket.”
At this important time of year, the CSBC and OFAH are asking those who fish to “get hooked on life jackets.”
This initiative is made possible through support of Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.
