With summer boating season underway, the Ontario Provincial Police is reminding residents that one simple decision can save lives on the water: wear a life jacket.
The safety message comes as thousands of people head to lakes, rivers and shorelines across Ontario, including popular boating destinations in Northumberland County and the Bay of Quinte region.
According to the OPP, nearly 80 per cent of boating fatalities investigated in 2025 involved people who were not wearing a personal flotation device. Police also report that adult males accounted for almost 90 per cent of all boating deaths on OPP-patrolled waters.
Many fatal incidents occur in small vessels such as canoes and kayaks, often in calm conditions and close to shore where people may underestimate the risks.
The OPP says wearing a properly fitted, Transport Canada-approved life jacket remains one of the most effective ways to prevent water-related tragedies.
The reminder extends beyond boating. Data from the Drowning Prevention Research Centre of Canada shows that 35 per cent of water-related fatalities in Ontario are linked to swimming, while another 13 per cent occur when people are walking, running or playing near water.
Police say young children, weak swimmers and non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket when near the water, even in shallow areas.
The OPP is encouraging boaters to ensure there is a properly sized life jacket for every person onboard, carry all required safety equipment, monitor weather conditions before heading out and set a positive example for children and inexperienced boaters.
Officers say the message is straightforward: make wearing a life jacket a habit and make it home safely.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
