Dear Editor:

Re: “Drowning fatalities in B.C.” on page A7 of the August 5th, 2015 Invermere Valley Echo.

Please please help me make the public aware that there is a huge difference between a PFD (personal flotation device) and a life jacket. PFDs are not designed to turn a unconscious person over in the water, they are less bulky to wear and better for swimming, but not for saving lives. I posted a link to your Facebook page from the Red Cross website: www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/swimming-and-water-safety-tips-and-resources/swimming–boating-and-water-safety-tips/lifejackets-and-pfds. It explains the difference. Help me make people aware of this.

The reason I am saying this is the comment made by Cpl. Grant Simpson. PFDs are not life jackets! They have limited turning power for unconscious people in boating accidents. An actual life jacket has that power to possibly save a life. PFDs are great in helping teach people how to swim as they are not bulky

Our boating regulations require a PFD or life jacket. It should only be a life jacket, in my opinion. Maybe that’s a part of the reason fatality rates are getting higher, because life jackets are getting replaced by PFDs.

Amanda Kashuba

Canal Flats