Everything Canadian boaters need to know about choosing, wearing, and caring for personal flotation devices.
Ninety percent of boating drownings in Canada involve someone who wasn't wearing a PFD. Not thirty. Not fifty. Ninety.
That number has been around for years and people still go out without one on. So this isn't a lecture. It's the actual rundown: what PFDs are, which level makes sense for your water, and how to keep one working. Because the PFD sitting in the storage hatch does exactly nothing.
First: The Law
Canadian law requires every vessel to carry an appropriately sized lifejacket or PFD for each person on board, and it must be worn or within immediate reach at all times. No exceptions.
The device must be approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Look for the approval label when you're buying. If it doesn't have one, it doesn't count, and you'll find Transport Canada-approved PFDs in our marine section.
There's no expiry date on a PFD, but a damaged one, whether ripped, repaired, or altered, loses its approval status and is no longer legal. More on that below.
Lifejacket vs. PFD: They're Not the Same Thing
People use these terms interchangeably. They're not the same thing.
A lifejacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water. If you go in and you're not conscious, a lifejacket is what keeps your airway clear. They're more buoyant, bulkier, and come in red, orange, or yellow for visibility.
A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is designed for comfort and mobility while you're active on the water, whether paddling, fishing, or watersports. It provides buoyancy but will NOT turn an unconscious person face-up. It assumes you're awake and can tilt your head back.
Neither is better. They're built for different situations. Match the device to the water you're on.
"A PFD that sits in a locker does about as much good as no PFD at all. The best one is the one you're actually wearing."
Understanding the Levels (And the Old Types)
Canada recently updated PFD labelling to align with international standards. Old gear uses 'Type' labels (Type I through V). New gear uses 'Level' labels (Level 50 through 275). Here's how they map:
| Level / Type | When to Use It |
|---|---|
| Level 50 | Sheltered water, very close to shore. Strong swimmers only. Will not turn you face-up. |
| Level 70 / Type III | Calm inland water, quick rescue likely. Most common for kayaking, SUP, fishing. Good mobility, will not turn face-up. |
| Level 100 / Type II | Near-shore, sheltered open water. Designed to turn some unconscious wearers face-up. |
| Level 150 / Type I | Offshore, rough water, remote areas. High buoyancy. Designed to turn unconscious person face-up and keep airways clear. |
| Level 275 | Extreme conditions, open ocean, commercial use. For those wearing heavy gear. |
If you're fishing on a calm lake close to shore, a Level 70 is fine. If you're offshore or in open water where rescue could take time, reach for Level 150. Don't underspec for the conditions. Browse our full range of approved PFDs and lifejackets to find the right fit for your boating style.
Inflatable PFDs: Comfortable, With Caveats
Inflatable PFDs have become popular because they're slim, comfortable, and easy to wear all day. They inflate automatically when submerged, or manually by pulling a cord. Most use a CO2 cartridge.
They work well, but they come with restrictions you need to know:
- Not approved for anyone under 16 or under 36.3 kg (80 lbs)
- Not approved for use on a personal watercraft (PWC)
- Not approved for white-water paddling
- Must be worn on an open boat, not stored, worn
And critically: they require maintenance. Check the CO2 cartridge regularly for corrosion or expiry, and test the inflation mechanism. An inflatable that fails to inflate is worse than useless. It gives false confidence.
Kids and PFDs: Non-Negotiable
Children cannot wear adult PFDs. The fit has to be right. Specifically, the device must be sized by the child's weight, not their age. If it rides up over the chin or head, it's too big.
What to look for on a kids' PFD:
- Large collar to support the head
- Crotch strap to prevent it riding up
- Appropriate weight rating (not age rating)
- Snug but comfortable fit, not so tight it restricts breathing
Transport Canada recommends waiting until children are over 20 lbs (9 kg) before bringing them aboard. There are no approved flotation devices below that weight.
We carry children's and youth PFDs sized from infant through to teen. Browse the full range of kids' lifejackets and PFDs to find the right fit for the weight and activity.
Wearing It vs. Having It On Board
The law says it must be worn or within reach. But the data is clear: most boating fatalities involve people who had a PFD on the boat and weren't wearing it.
Cold water changes everything. Cold water shock can cause immediate gasping and hyperventilation the moment you hit the water, before you've had a chance to react. You have seconds, not minutes. If your PFD is in a locker when that happens, it might as well be on the dock.
Pair your PFD with solid marine safety gear. A whistle, a signalling device, and a knife clipped to your vest are all habits worth building.
The habit worth building: put it on when you get on the boat. Take it off when you get off. Same as a helmet on a bike.
What We Carry: A Quick Guide to the Styles
Different activities need different gear. Here's what we carry and when you'd reach for each one.
Every PFD in our lineup is Transport Canada approved. If you're not sure which is right for your setup, browse the full collection here, or reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.
Caring For Your PFD: It's Not Maintenance-Free
A PFD that's been damaged, compressed, or stored incorrectly can lose buoyancy without looking obviously broken. Here's how to keep yours in shape:
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated spot, not stuffed in a wet locker
- Air dry out of direct sunlight after getting wet. No dryer, no direct heat
- Clean with mild soap and running water. No petrochemicals, no concentrated detergents
- Never use it as a cushion, knee pad, or boat fender. Compressing foam kills buoyancy
- Test it in shallow water before the season, and if it's time for a new one, check our current range of PFDs and lifejackets
When to Replace It
No expiry date on the calendar, but replace it if you see any of these:
- Visible damage: tears, rips, frayed straps, corroded buckles, deteriorated foam that feels hard or lumpy
- Signs of UV damage: significant fading or discoloration
- Mould or mildew (especially inside foam models)
- For inflatables: leaks in the inflation chamber, corroded or expired CO2 cartridge, any malfunction in the trigger mechanism
When in doubt, replace it. A new PFD costs a fraction of a rescue operation, or worse.
The Bottom Line
Find one that fits well enough you'll actually wear it. That's the whole job.
Shop Transport Canada-approved PFDs and lifejackets, plus marine safety gear, water sports equipment, and everything else you need on the water. Shipped across Canada.
