Personal Flotation

There’s nothing really sexy about safety, but precautions around water should be a hot topic for every parent this summer. 

So, we thought a refresher might be helpful. We’ve also included a few of our editor’s picks for some new peace-of-mind- products that will float everyone’s boat (and child) this summer.

Do As I Say…
The Hospital for Sick Children’s national injury prevention program, Safe Kids Canada offers a list of critical safety tips and awareness points that are worth reviewing. One critical tip that parents should remember is to teach by example. If you’re often going without wearing a lifejacket because you’re “a good swimmer” or because you’re “an adult”, think about what that message says to the kids.

Jackets and Devices
If you can’t get straight on the jacket options, you’re not alone. We’ve got the scoop on the differences between standard lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs). One point to note—even if the kids have a life jacket or PFD on, it’s not a substitute for parental supervision so keep the jackets done up and stay near.

A standard lifejacket is the old-school style. These jackets have a self-righting capability which forces an unconscious person to a face-up position in the water, allowing them to breathe. There are only two sizes; one for people who weigh over 40 kg (90 lbs), and one for people who weigh less than 40 kg (90 lbs). Standard lifejackets must be bright in colour; orange, yellow or red, and have a whistle attached.

PFDs come in two basic types: inherently buoyant (by their construction) and inflatable, which are fitted with a manually activated inflation system.

Inherently buoyant PFDs are the best choice for parents whose kids will be sporting them regularly and they come in various sizes—based on weight—for all ages.

Although it’s tempting to buy them a PFD for the kids to grow into, it should have a snug fit. Transport Canada guidelines dictate that your child’s PFD is too big if you can pull it over his or her ears, and the PFD is too small if you cannot fasten all buckles and straps.

Finally, whatever the size of PFD you buy, be sure it’s bright in colour for visibility and check the label to ensure the PFD is approved for use in Canada. The PFD should be approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The 20-Pound Rule
It may seem like an infantile rule, and it literally is, for their safety. Transport Canada recommends that you wait until your child reaches 20 lbs. before you go boating. As such, there are no PFDs for children of this weight that are approved by the regulatory body. If you can’t, or don’t want to wait, some manufacturers produce PFDs for babies in this category. The Bijoux Baby Vest by Salus and MEC’s award winning Naya Water Gear Baby PFD may be a solution.

Don’t hesitate about letting them get wet as they jump into summer, just keep it safe and sound when there’s water all around. Tested by Alison R., Toronto

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