Boating Safety Guide

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.

This information is taken from the Eau Vive Québec website.

Flotation device (PFD, life jacket, safety vest, safety jacket)

At Sports Experts and Atmosphere, find a wide variety of flotation devices to accompany you on your nautical adventures. A personal flotation device (PFD) must be approved in Canada, which means it must be approved by a government body such as Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard.

Flotation jacket, life jacket: what's the difference?

The main function of a flotation jacket is to help the wearer float and prevent the risk of drowning. Designed to be worn at all times, flotation jackets are often more compact, less bulky and more comfortable than a life jacket. They offer greater freedom of movement, and are most often worn for water-based activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and many others.

A life jacket or life vest effectively keeps the wearer out of the water, leaving the face, head and airways clear in the event of immersion. When wearing a life jacket, the wearer is automatically turned onto his or her back to keep him or her afloat. Because of its flotation purpose, the life jacket is thicker and bulkier.

There are several types of PFDs, adapted to the water sports you wish to enjoy. Whatever your choice, it is recommended choosing a coloured PFD to make yourself visible in the water.

Most adult PFDs are suitable for both men and women, although some brands have developed jackets adapted to women's morphologies, in particular to increase chest support and comfort. PFD sizes are based on chest circumference. We recommend that you try on your PFD before buying, to ensure an optimum fit.

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