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I was out on our boat last weekend and it was wonderful! I love the sound of the water splashing up against the boat, the warm sun on my face, the wind whipping through my hair, and the smell of fresh, clean air. I love watching the other boats go by; there is such a variety, from fishing boats, ski boats, and pontoon boats, to pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand up boards. No matter what type of boat we come across, the one constant out on the lake is the happiness of those playing in, on, and near the water. The smiles, giggles, and friendly waves as we pass by are infectious and I feel connected to everyone who chooses to be out there. As I was sitting at the back of the boat, I was thinking about this sense of community that comes from a shared love of the fun and adventure of being out on the water. I care about my community and the people who help me feel connected to the joy of living in Northern BC, and I believe every person deserves to stay safe every time they are out on the water. Just as seat belts and child safety seats are a key part of keeping us safe on the roads, lifejackets are critical to keeping us safe and keeping the water playtime fun.
Lifejackets save lives
They are like round-trip insurance. When everyone wears a lifejacket and the water fun is done for the day, everyone comes in safely. But, as the Canadian Red Cross highlights, of those who drown every year while boating, over 87 per cent were not wearing a lifejacket when they drowned. Close by isn’t close enough. Lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) are the accessory that everyone in the boat, on the water, by the dock, or at the water’s edge has to wear. It is important to wear the right size lifejacket for the right activity, every time, no matter how calm the water or how strong a swimmer you are. As we enjoy a summer of wellness, please join me in committing to keeping our communities and water fun safe. Wear your lifejacket or PFD every time you are out enjoying beautiful, natural Northern BC.
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