Lifejackets aren’t mandatory for children in Ontario. That’s about to change.

A bill is moving through Queen’s Park that would make it mandatory for children aged 12 and younger to wear lifejackets on boats.

There is currently no law in Ontario mandating anyone, including children of any age, to wear lifejackets.

Joshua Steinburg, 11, was killed in a 2018 drowning accident on the St. Lawrence River. He was not wearing a lifejacket at the time. His mother, Cara McNulty, says it doesn’t matter how good of a swimmer you are; added protection is necessary.

“We suspect Joshua was unconscious when he hit the water. It’s not going to help you in any situation if you don’t have a lifejacket on,” McNulty said on Monday. “It will save lives. I know it will.”

Goldie Ghamari, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Carleton, tabled Bill 93 titled “Joshua’s Law (Lifejackets for Life).” It proposes that children 12 years 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.”

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“I think it’s weird loopholes or oversights in policy legislation,” Ghamari said. “Bike helmets are mandatory for children. Seatbelts are mandatory for children.”

Between 2018 and 2022, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said in fatal marine incidents, 114 boaters and paddlers were not wearing lifejackets.

In 2022 alone, boating and marine incidents accounted for 29 fatalities.

“Joshua’s Law” states that if the child is not under the supervision of the parent or guardian but is under the supervision of a person 18 years of age or older at the relevant time, the requirement applies instead to that person.

If the bill is passed, fines could reach $200 if a child is found without a lifejacket.

“Ontario recognizes the important role that parents, guardians and other persons play in protecting the physical safety of children while on provincial waters,” the bill states.

“Joshua’s Law” is progressing through the legislature and was in committee today, with full support from all parties. It’s likely to pass into law this fall.

Lisa Hanson Ouellette, a senior researcher with The Royal Life Saving Society Canada, said the government should go further, mandating people of all ages wear a lifejacket.

“We already see in Ontario only 18 per cent of adults and seniors wearing lifejackets,” Ouellette said at Queen’s Park.