Edmonton makes life jackets mandatory to wear when riding on a vessel

Summer is the time when many Edmontonians flock to the North Saskatchewan River. But this year, something is new.

This is the first summer that the City of Edmonton is making life jackets mandatory to wear on the river.

The bylaw became official in May. Before, Edmontonians only had to have life jackets available on their vessel; now, they have to be worn.

“I support the safety of people,” said Jesse, an Edmontonian CityNews spoke to.

The city changed the rules because of a drastic increase in people using the river, from 315 in 2019 to an estimated 14,000 last year.

“That’s pretty widespread. Anyway, I don’t know why the city had to reiterate it,” said Grant, an Edmontonian.

Scarlett Mercer, who’s been paddle boarding for six years, says, “I think that’s just smart.”

She agrees with the $250 fine for those caught not wearing a life jacket

“Things are unpredictable on the water, and that current can get pretty strong underneath, and I think it’s just safety,” said Mercer.

It is a life-saving tool, especially when comparing between a pool and river environment, according to Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories, who are marking National Drowning Prevention Week.

“There are a lot of underwater risks like rocks, deadfall, that sort of thing. Those are entrapment hazards. So even for the strongest of swimmers, your limbs, your clothing could get stuck, so it’s important to wear a life jacket so you stay afloat,” said Madison Lalonde, the director of public education and communications for the Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Park rangers say that during the first summer of the expanded bylaw, they have partnered with Edmonton police for enforcement.

“If we’ve dealt with that individual on numerous occasions and they’ve already been charged. There is an escalation process which can start from a $250 fine all the way up to a mandatory court check charge,” said Zain Haji, a peace officer with the Park Ranger Marine Unit.

If you or your family are looking to find a proper fit for a life jacket, the City of Edmonton offers free, welcoming swim programs at the Clareview Meadows and Mill Woods Rec Centre.