A provincial bill that would require kids to wear life jackets on boats has the full support of Sarnia's marine rescue team.
Bill 93, which is likely to pass into law this fall, would make it mandatory for those 12 and younger to wear a personal flotation device or life jacket while on a pleasure boat.
PointSAR Unit Leader Greg Grimes said it's the right approach at this time.
"Much like the bike helmet law that's in place right now where children under 12 are required to wear a helmet, I think when you create those good practices in people at a young age it becomes the norm for them," said Grimes. "This is a good first step in getting people to talk about life jackets more, understand the value and the importance of them, and to increase their usage."
If the bill becomes law, boaters could face a fine of up to $200 if a child is found without a life jacket.
According to OPP, there were 114 fatal marine incidents between 2018 and 2022 where life jackets were not used.
Grimes said it's a proven fact that life jackets do save lives, and that a life jacket's main purpose is to keep your head above water.
"Weather in our area, especially out on Lake Huron, can be unpredictable. A lot of people think that if they're a good solid swimmer that they're exempt from needing a lifejacket, but the cold water and the currents that we have out in our waterways can exhaust you really quickly," he said. "So if you lose consciousness, you get tired, you can rest, you can keep your airway available and hope to extend your chance of survival."
Grimes said PointSAR responds to around 20 calls per year, including four so far this year -- that includes an incident involving five scuba divers that were having trouble with their boat in July.
"It's amazing how many times we respond to somebody who's in distress and their boat has taken on water and they don't even have life jackets on when we arrive," he said. "And so we really do have to get people thinking about life jackets and the role they play in your survival."
Grimes said the group recently recruited five new members, bringing the complement to 18, and that they're always interested in bringing on more members.
For more details and to register for the volunteer group, click here.