Borrow a LifeJacket For Free While Visiting Ontario Parks
Kacey, from Emily Provincial Park, helping to make sure you are safe on the water
Drowning deaths in Canada have been lower than in 1990, but sadly since 2005 there has been an upward trend. Here in Ontario, the Coroner's data suggests that the average rate has increased by 8%. Here are some scary facts about drowning...
- 80% of drowning victims are male
- The highest rates of drowning in Ontario are found among men 15-24, and those over 55 years of age; and among women over 85 years of age
- the highest proportion of drownings occur in lakes (48%), followed by flowing water such as rivers and streams (22%)
I thought Trail Swag readers would value and take into consideration that 7% of the deaths occur while canoeing, which puts it higher than Snowmobiles going through the ice. What is the number one reason attributed to drowning deaths overall? Not wearing a PFD.
Mountain Equipment Co-op, Ontario Power Generation, BOATsmart, SWIM Guide, and the Canadian Red Cross have all partnered with Ontario Parks to bring you PARKsmart, an important lifesaving program. Just ask park staff about borrowing a lifejacket at any of the 67 participating parks that offer the service.
