The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Here is the Pleasure Craft Operator Cards Question of the Week: What is the difference between a life jacket and a personal floatation device (PFD)? Life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water. A PFD is designed only to keep a conscious person's chin out of the water. If you are unconscious when you go into the water or loose consciousness while in the water and you are wearing a PFD, you may still drown. Adequate personal protection flotation devices include only products that are approved, such as lifejackets, PFDs, and flotation suits. Approved personal flotation devices do not include products such as buoyant seat cushions. There must be a PFD or lifejacket that is in good condition and of appropriate size and fit for every person onboard. An approved PFD or lifejacket is one that bears a label or stamp indicating that it has been approved by the Canadian Department of Transport or the Canadian Coast Guard. Two exceptions for rules on PPE: - infants who weigh less than 9 kg (20 lbs.), - persons whose chest size exceeds 140 cm (55 in.). Inflatable PFDs or lifejackets: Not approved for persons less than 16 years old or who weigh less than 36.3 kg. Not approved for use on PWCs. Automatically inflating PFDs are not approved for use on sailboards or for any white water activity (kayaking, rafting). For more information on boating safety visit freecourse.ca Courses, testing and safe boating information and equipment are available at the Flin Flon Canadian Tire Store. Contact Brian Humphreys at 687-8490 for further details.
