Inflation is something no one wants to hear about. However, at a recent Inflation Life Jacket World Record Day attempt event held at the Lewisporte Yacht Club, inflation is good - in your life jacket.
According to the Lifesaving Society, it's estimated that nationally there are approximately 140 people who drown annually while boating and more than 80 per cent of the victims are men.
Looking at the big picture, the International Lifesaving Federation states that 1.2 million people die by drowning every year around the world. That is more than two people every minute of every day. Over 50 per cent of those who drown are children. More than 90 per cent of victims found were not wearing a life jacket or a personal flotation device (PFD).
A life jacket serves the same purpose as a seatbelt in a car. It was made with the intention of keeping the passengers safe. You wear a seatbelt, hopefully, because you know that in the event of an accident there is no time to put your seat belt on. Same applies to a life jacket - if an accident occurs, you will thank yourself later for wearing your life jacket.
It's one of the most basic and simple procedures to follow when heading out on the water because at any point in time you may find yourself unable to swim to safety after falling out of a boat or swimming out too far. Also, anyone who takes to the waters in this province knows all too well about the strong currents and undertows that have certainly caused many to drown.
Another reason to wear your PFD is unforeseen circumstances like cramps or an inability to swim in cold water, like the Atlantic Ocean we are surrounded by.
Life jackets of today are more comfortable and lightweight then ever. Comfortably is no longer an excuse to not wear one aboard any boat, kayak, canoe or jet-ski.
Wear your PFD. Ensure everyone who takes to a boat or other watercraft is fitted properly with a life jacket. They are called life preservers for a reason and it could possibly save yours.
- Pam Snow
.jpg)
.jpg)
