What PFD rules apply to my child, and what must boats carry?

• Under 16: under the CKC Code of Safety (1 April 2025), all participants under 16 must wear a non-inflatable Government of Canada approved PFD during any on-water activity, whatever their swimming ability.
• Anyone who cannot swim at Lifesaving Society Swimmer Level 6: must wear a Government of Canada approved PFD, worn the way it is intended, during all on-water activity.
• Cold water (below 8 degrees Celsius): everyone must wear a Government of Canada approved PFD at all times.
• Coaches must wear a Government of Canada approved PFD at all times on the water.
• CKC sprint rule book: every competitor must follow the Government of Canada PFD rules under the Small Vessel Regulations and abide by the CKC Code of Safety.
• Boats: under the Small Vessel Regulations, a racing canoe or kayak in formal training, official competition or final preparation does not need to carry safety equipment if it is attended by a safety craft carrying a PFD or lifejacket of an appropriate size for each person on board. Without a safety craft, it must carry a PFD or lifejacket of an appropriate size for each person on board, a sound-signalling device, and a watertight flashlight if used after sunset, before sunrise or in restricted visibility.

Sources: CKC Code of Safety, April 1, 2025, sections 2 and 3 (https://albertawhitewater.ca/sites/default/files/2025-03/CKC-Code-of-Safety-April-1-2025-EN-FINAL.pdf); CKC Sprint Rules 2024-26, rule 2.18 (https://canoekayak.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2024-26-Rulebook-EN-June-2025.pdf)