Prince George, B.C. – This is National Fishing Week in Canada,  and the Canadian Safe Boating Council  and  the Lifesaving Society-BC -Yukon Branch  want to  ensure  anglers are  wearing their life jackets before  heading out on the water.

“National surveys show more than half the recreational boats sold in Canada are used for fishing on a regular basis,” says John Gullick, Chair of the Canadian Safe Boating Council. “During National Fishing Week, the Canadian Safe Boating Council would like to remind all anglers not only to have their lifejacket onboard their boat, but to wear it as if their life depended on it – because it just might!” 

Many boaters don’t wear life jackets  or PFDs because they  believe they are good  swimmers and having  the items on board the  boat, within easy reach,  is good  enough.   But the  CSBC says having  them stored under a seat or the bow  won’t help  if  you fall overboard while trying to net  a fish.

Stats  show  80% of  recreational boaters who drown  each year in Canada, were not wearing a lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD).

“Fishing is a part of our Canadian fabric and an activity that’s easy to get hooked on,” says Gullick.  “The CSBC is asking those who fish to ‘Get Hooked on Lifejackets’ too.”