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 of the victims — or 83 per cent — were not wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device properly at the time of the incident.
According to the OPP, capsized vessels and people falling overboard were the leading causes in 197 of the fatalities.
Marine officers are promoting safety during Safe Boating Awareness Week and reminding the public that wearing a lifejacket or PFD significantly improves survival chances in an emergency.
Police say alcohol and drug impairment, operator inexperience, poor weather conditions and hazardous waterways also continue to contribute to fatal boating incidents across Ontario.
The OPP is encouraging boaters to inspect their vessels before heading onto the water, monitor weather conditions and become familiar with cold-water safety principles and Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.
Officers are also reminding the public to never operate a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
