JOSHUA’S LAW
Because Lifejackets Save Lives.
On April 3, 2023 MPP Goldie Ghamari introduced her Private Member’s Bill, Joshua’s Law, in the Ontario Legislature.
Joshua’s Law is a bill which seeks to make lifejackets or personal flotation devices mandatory for children 12 and under who are on personal boats 30 feet and smaller or recreational water equipment.
Boats larger than 30 feet and commercially operated boats are excluded.
Explanatory Note
The Bill enacts Joshua’s Law (Lifejackets for Life), 2023, which requires parents and guardians to ensure that their children who are 12 years of age or younger wear a personal flotation device or lifejacket while on a pleasure boat that is underway or while being towed behind a pleasure boat using recreational water equipment. If the child is not under the supervision of the parent or guardian but is under the supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older at the relevant time, the requirement applies instead to that person. The requirement does not apply if the child is in an enclosed cabin. Definitions of “pleasure boat” and “recreational water equipment” are provided.
It is an offence to not comply with the requirement and on conviction a person is liable to a fine of not more than $200.
Did you know?
Did you know that wearing lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) while on small personal boats or recreational water equipment is not mandatory for children in Ontario?
It’s only mandatory that there are enough properly fitting lifejackets or PFDs on board for everyone. But no one, not even children, have to wear them.
Joshua’s Law in the News
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