OPP Will Be Very Visible on Waterways for Safe Boating Awareness Week

OPP will be very visible on waterways for Safe Boating Awareness Week

Significantly contributing to the loss of life was the fact that 205 (or 83 per cent) of those who died were not (or not properly) wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the incident.

OPP urging boaters to wear lifejackets during Safe Boating Awareness Week

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, kaya…

Safe Boating Awareness Weeks Begins May 16th

Safe Boating Awareness Week (SBAW) 2026 runs May 16th-22nd promoting safe boating practices across Canada.

OPP urges boaters to wear lifejackets after 249 marine deaths over 10 years

The Ontario Provincial Police is urging boaters and paddlers to wear lifejackets after new statistics showed most marine deaths over the last decade involved people not properly using flotation devices. The OPP says 249 people died in marine incidents investigated by the force between 2016 and 2025. More than 100 of those deaths involved people using human-powered pleasure craft such as canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Police say 205 o…