OPP officials allege: The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding boaters and paddlers to wear lifejackets or personal flotation devices during Safe Boating Awareness Week after more than 200 marine fatalities in the past decade involved people not properly wearing one.
Police said 249 people died in OPP-investigated marine incidents between 2016 and 2025, including more than 100 individuals using human-powered pleasure craft such as canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
According to the OPP, 205 of those deaths — about 83 per cent — involved people who were either not wearing or not properly wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device at the time of the incident.
Police said capsized vessels and falling overboard were contributing factors in 197 of the fatalities investigated during that period.
The OPP is urging all boaters and paddlers to wear lifejackets instead of simply storing them in their vessel.
During Safe Boating Awareness Week, OPP marine officers will be conducting patrols focused on marine safety education and enforcement of federal boating laws.
Police said other common contributing factors in boating fatalities include alcohol or drug impairment, operator inexperience, hazardous waterways and poor weather conditions.
The OPP is also encouraging boaters to ensure vessels are properly equipped and functioning before heading onto the water, monitor weather conditions and become familiar with Canada’s Safe Boating Guide and the “1-10-1 principle,” which outlines the effects cold water can have on survival and mobility.
Police are also reminding the public to boat sober and avoid drug use while operating watercraft.
