The absence of VFI on pleasure boats remains the main cause of drowning

In Canada. Nevertheless, nearly 100 people lose their lives every year during accidents related to nautical boats of pleasure. Meanwhile, In 2024, 80 % of these drownings were awarded to the absence of an individual floating garment (VFI).

In the Atlantic region. Moreover, the Nautical Transport Canada Safety Gets recorded last year 7 deaths related to pleasure navigation and 11 accidents avoided just who would probably have led to death without the intervention of the first local stakeholders, including the Canadian Coast Guard.

It is surprising that so many people still go on the water without carrying the jacket in all kinds of boatsis surprised Roch Ancil. However, agent for the development of nautical security at Transport Canada. For example,

Although the regulations stipulate that people must have Vfi Adequate size. However, in good condition on board for each of the passengers, the equipment often remains on the ground of the boats. Nevertheless,

And Vfi which is not worn is uselesstranche Roch Anctil. For example, It is utopian to think that we will have time to catch it. In addition, that we will be able to put it once made in the water, because the stress often will embark during a tragic event.

The paddle board, canoe, kayak or other, it is probably the activities where we need the mosthe adds.

The rule of 1-10-1 – Absence vfi pleasure boats remains

We wrongly believe that the Vfi serve people who cannot swimbut one of the reasons why it is essential for everyone is its importance in the event of thermal shock. Meanwhile,

Roch Ancil explains that when an individual falls into the water. Similarly, he usually undergoes a shock which makes him temporarily lose the ability to breathe.

We have about a minute to find our breathinghe specifies.

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This is the first phase of what rescuers call the rule of 1-10-1. that is to say 1 minute, 10 minutes and 1 hour. These times correspond to the stages that occur when a person finds himself in cold water.

If we don’t have our Vfi it is very difficult, because it is panic. We fall into the water, it’s cold, our body is in shock, we are looking for our air. OUR Vfi gives us a good luck to find herdit roch andctil.

Subsequently. we have about 10 minutes in cold water to find a safe place to snuggle up in a ball to keep our heat, call for help or join the shore if we are capable.

It is within an hour that hypothermia can start to settle. Again, the Vfi can play a role in survival.

Roch Ancil recalls that with some exceptions where a few bodies of water warm up. it is always necessary to hold for granted that in Canada, the waters are cold.

A vest in good condition. the right size – Absence vfi pleasure boats remains

Roch ancTil adds that it is often men in their forties and fifties and more who are the most reluctant to carry the Vfi.

[Ils pensent] : ” Well, I always did this that way, and nothing happened to me ”he explains. From year to year. around 75 % of people who died are men aged 45-50 and over who did not Vfi or who did not carry it properly.

Sometimes people put it. but they don’t attach it, then it does not fully play its role, so people, unfortunately, lose their liveshe continues.

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The expert notes that it is important that the Vfi Either the right size. whether it is not damaged or full of mold, as it can affect its buoyancy.

I heard too many children’s stories that passed through the jackethe gives as an example.

Sobriety on water

Alcohol consumption was also the second risk factor linked to drownings absence vfi pleasure boats remains last year in Canadians aged 15 to 34. third among those over 35 years of age.

Roch Ancil argues that on nautical boats in a summer context with friends. individuals often tend to take consumption, which can lead to a decrease in vigilance and reflexes, especially that water consumption is equivalent to almost three due to the sun.

We prefer to suggest stay sober on the waterhe said.

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Furthermore. being alone aboard a boat or during a water outing is the third risk factor for drowning in young adults and the second in 35 and over.

Check

Roch Anctil recalls that safety preparations. the verification of nautical equipment are measures that can save lives on water.

He also insists on the importance of checking the weather before leaving. having a navigation plan and informing at least one person on dry land beforehand.

Often. we neglect this point, but it is important to let know where we are going and around what time we think we come backspecifies Roch Ancil.

You always have to try to go to the unpredictable.. Not negatively, but preventively.

Often people start the season. check their boat, but forget to check their equipmentnote Roch Anctil.

For example. it suggests ensuring that the floating catch line is functional and unfolds well when it is launched in the water.

Roch Anctil finishes by noting that it is important not to hold his knowledge in terms of nautical security. revise them every year in order to always have them in mind.

According to Jimana Vergara’s report