CWTA - Resources - Kayak Basics - How To Choose A PFD

Connecticut Water Trails Association

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Connecticut Water Trails

Basic Concepts

Paddling Resources

How To Choose A PFD

Connecticut Water Trails Program

How To Choose A PFD - PFD Fast Facts

10 Years of Research

In a landmark 10-year study, the Canadian Red Cross, together with its partners, compiled critical information on drownings in Canada. One of the key factors identified in boating-related drowning deaths in Canada is not wearing a PFD.

What They Learned

The main cause of boating drowning death (87%) is not properly wearing a lifejacket or PFD.

You should always wear a PFD. Close by isn’t close enough.

The Facts

On average, there are 180 boating drowning deaths each year in Canada

Of those who drown, 87% are not wearing, or are not properly wearing, a PFD or lifejacket.

In a 10 year span, over 1,000 people (60%) drowned while powerboating and almost 700 (40%) while unpowered boating (canoe, kayak, sail boat, raft)

93 % of those who drown while boating are male.

Men between the ages of 15 and 45 years old are at greatest risk for drowning.

Based On The Following:

Canoe

88% of canoe drowning victims are not wearing, or not properly wearing, a flotation device.

Kayak

67% of kayak victims are not wearing, or not properly wearing, a flotation device.

Raft

55% of rafting and inflatable watercraft drowning victims are not wearing, or not properly wearing, a flotation device.

Rowboat

94% of rowboat drowning victims are not wearing, or not properly wearing, a flotation device.

Sailboat

70% of sailboat drowning victims are not wearing, or not properly wearing, a flotation device.

Powerboat

88% of powerboat drowning victims are not wearing, or not properly wearing, a flotation device.

Prepare! Stay Safe! And Survive!

When aboard any water craft, make sure you and all passengers are wearing a properly fitted and USCG approved PFD or lifejacket – it could save your life.

70% of all boating fatality accidents result from drowning.
Almost 90% of those who drown are not wearing a life jacket!