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The Ontario Provincial Police are reminding everyone heading out on, or near, water to make one life-saving choice: wear a life jacket—every time, every ride.
Most boating-related drownings happen in small vessels such as canoes and kayaks, and 89% of victims were not wearing a life jacket. In 2024, drowning remained one of the leading causes of accidental death in Ontario, particularly among men aged 20 to 60. But the risk is not limited to boating—35% of water-related fatalities occurred while swimming, and 13% while walking, running, or playing near water, according to the Drowning Prevention Research Centre of Canada.
Children, weak swimmers, and non-swimmers should always wear a properly fitted, Transport Canada-approved life jacket, even in shallow water. Supervision and proactive safety choices are key to preventing tragedies.
The OPP encourages all water users to set a positive example, check weather and water conditions, and remember that modern life jackets are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to save lives. Don’t just bring it—wear it, make it a habit, and make it home safely.
