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Boating Safety Guide

25 June 2025

Whether aboard a kayak or standing on your paddleboard, the joy of boating comes second to safety.

In order to properly prepare for your outings, you must ensure you have the minimal mandatory safety equipment required by Transport Canada, including:

  1. A flotation device (PFD, life jacket, safety vest, safety jacket)
  2. A sound-signalling device (whistle, sound horn, bell, etc.)
  3. A buoyant heaving line (15 metres)
  4. A bailer or hand pump
  5. A waterproof flashlight (with working batteries)

Boating Safety Kit

This kit is required by Transports Canada.

Personal flotation devices

PFDs or flotation jackets must be handy and in order according to your weight when you're on the water. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited in whitewater and for under-16s.

Audible signal arrangement

The nautical whistle or other audible signalling devices such as ball-less whistles, horns or bells should ideally be within easy reach.

The whistle can be used to communicate in a variety of ways.

  • Drawing attention or signaling your presence to request help
  • Indicating your intentions, especially insitutations with poor visibility
  • Alerting others to an emergency

Flashlight

A waterproof flashlight is essential for lighting up when visibility is limited, such as at dusk or in gray weather. It is also used to send emergency signals.

Floating rope

Eau Vive Québec recommends that you always carry at least 15m of buoyant rope, but it is compulsory if you are not wearing your PFD jacket or lifejacket. This rope can help a person stay afloat and be repatriated from a fall in the water.

Our tips for choosing your PFD

When choosing your kayak PFD or paddleboard PFD, we recommend models with open back panels. This will maximize your range of movement and ensure you are comfortable enough to paddle.

PFD for kayaking

Discover jackets specifically designed for kayaking so that you can navigate the waters safely and freely.

Newer models of life jackets better accommodate the higher seat backs that are increasingly common in today’s recreational kayaks and canoes. By increasing the height of the rear mesh panel and sculpting the edges of the rear foam elements, the new models will not interfere with the seat backs.

Tips for adjusting your kayak

To help you choose the right kayak, read our article Essential Criteria for Choosing Your Kayak

PFDs for kids

It is important to remember first that a flotation jacket is no substitute for supervision by a responsible adult. As with adults, we recommend that you try a child PFD on in store. There are a number of features to take into account:

  • The collar must leave the head and neck clear
  • It is important to have a collar to support the head safely when immersed in water
  • Waist and shoulder straps are preferable
  • The addition of a whistle is strongly recommended

Did you know ?

All vests and life jackets displayed on our website are approved by Transport Canada standards.

No matter which waterway you are sailing on this summer, equip yourself! For additional information, consult the complete boating safety guide from Transport Canada.

Looking to buy a kayak or paddleboard? Check out our blog posts to help you make the right purchase!

Get Equiped