The RCMSAR and Saving Lives on the Water

Require a PDF in the Shuswap? The Kids Don't Float Program provides water-safety support for all ages throughout British Columbia.

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Words by Tamara Lansing

The Kids Don't Float Program is an essential initiative that aims to provide free access to Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for everyone in the Shuswap through strategically located PFD stations and kiosks. 

To minimize the risk of drowning deaths and ensure safety while engaging in water-based activities, the program was introduced in 2003 by the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) and awarded the Canadian Safe Boating Award for Best Boating Safety Initiative in 2018. 

Water safety is critical in the Shuswap as it’s a popular destination for recreational boaters, swimmers, and fishermen. The Kids Don't Float Program is based at 19 stations in the Shuswap with over 100 stations at public docks, marinas, and beaches across British Columbia. While the stations have PFDs primarily for infants, children, and youth, adult PFDs are also accessible. 

The impact of the program is significant. As per a report by the Lifesaving Society, 80 percent of boating-related drowning deaths in Canada could have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a lifejacket. It provides free access to PFDs, which greatly reduces the risk of drowning deaths in the Shuswap area.

Volunteers for RCMSAR, who are dedicated to the RCMSAR's goal of ‘Saving Lives on the Water,’ build, install and maintain the Kids Don't Float Program stations and kiosks. They also ensure PFDs are up to code, safe to use and regularly inspect and replace them to maintain the highest safety standards. 

The volunteers' passion for keeping their community safe is reflected in the program's strong community support, made possible by donations and grants. The proceeds are used for materials required to build the stations, purchase PFDs and replace the PFDs every year. 

Kids Don't Float Program is an essential resource for anyone who participates in water-based activities in the Shuswap and across British Columbia to reduce the risk of drowning deaths and ensure safety for everyone. Its success is attributed to easily accessible locations, dedicated RCMSAR volunteers, and strong community efforts. 

By supporting the Kids Don't Float Program, we can all play a role in saving lives and keeping the community safe. The RCMSAR's tagline, "Saving Lives on the Water," is fitting given the program's lifesaving efforts. For more information visit www.rcmsar106.ca