Lifejackets could prevent up to 80 per cent of drownings on the water – Lifejacket Day on 23 May 2026

Although legislation requires lifejackets to be carried for every passenger on motorboats and on sailing boats over five metres long, this does not reflect the real risks associated with boating. A large share of drownings involving people using watercraft occur while using rowing boats, where lifejackets are not required.  

“Typically, accidents on the water involve someone travelling alone in a small open boat that capsizes unexpectedly, causing the boater to fall into the water. Often someone hears their calls for help, but unfortunately help too often arrives too late for those who have chosen not to wear a lifejacket,” says Kristiina Heinonen, Executive Director of the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation. 

“Increasing the use of lifejackets would be the single most effective measure for reducing drownings in Finland. In addition to raising awareness, we should also consider tightening legislation on personal flotation devices,” Heinonen continues. 

The master of the boat is responsible  

Everyone on the water is responsible for their own safety and the safety of others, but the master of the boat bears particular responsibility. The master of the boat is responsible for ensuring that everyone on board has an approved lifejacket, buoyancy aid or immersion suit in the correct size and that flotation devices are worn when the conditions so require.

Most fatal accidents occur in small motorboats and rowing boats. Technical faults or weather play only a minor role in accidents. Instead, key causes include capsizing and human factors.  

In 2025, 34 people died in recreational boating accidents. All those who died in boating accidents were men. The majority of those who died were over 55 years old, accounting for approximately 65 per cent of all fatalities. Between 2016 and 2025, 27–52 people died in recreational boating accidents in Finland each year.  

“Everyone can improve boating safety through their own choices and responsible actions. A significant combination of risk factors on the water is the lack of lifejackets and an unstable boat. Wearing lifejackets, especially in open boats, would reduce fatalities considerably. And before setting off and while on the water, you should always stay sober. It would also be useful for everyone to practise how to get back into a capsized boat from the water,” reminds Kimmo Patrakka, Chief Specialist at Traficom.

Maintenance and inspection of lifejackets 

Maintaining and inspecting lifejackets are an essential part of boating safety. Use, maintenance and storage must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

“At the start of the boating season, it is a good idea to check all the boat’s safety equipment, including lifejackets. Inflatable lifejackets in particular should be serviced annually. Where necessary, take them to a specialist shop for inspection to make sure that they are definitely fit for use,” says Marko Stenberg, Safety and Preparedness Manager at the Finnish Lifeboat Institution. 

Putting lifejackets on correctly is just as important as maintaining and storing them properly. If lifejackets have not been adjusted correctly, the wearer may sink too deep inside the jacket, which may prevent it from working as intended.

“Lifejackets only save a person if they are worn and fitted correctly when the person falls into the water,” reminds Mikko Hirvi, Head of Maritime Safety and Security at the Finnish Border Guard.  

Take part in Lifejacket Day

Lifejacket Day, which highlights the importance of lifejackets, will be held on Saturday 23 May 2026. Organisations and authorities in the boating network’s safety communications group urge everyone on the water to wear lifejackets suitable for their intended use in all watercraft, every time they go out on the water.

Lifejacket Day gives people on the water an opportunity to show their support for water safety. We encourage everyone to take part by wearing a lifejacket, capturing the moment in a photo or video and sharing the message on social media with the hashtag #pelastusliivipäivä or #flytvästdagen. You can find other ways to take part at www.suh.fi/pelastusliivipaiva (page available only in Finnish). 

“Safety is not something we can take for granted. It requires active effort from all of us. Join in Lifejacket Day and encourage others to take part too, but above all, set an example and always wear a lifejacket when you are on the water,” Heinonen urges. 

Lifejacket Day originated from the international Ready, Set, Wear It event. In Finland, it has been held around the turn of May and June since 2013. The aim of the day is to remind people about safety on the water and campaign for the use of lifejackets.

Boating Safety Week 1–7 June

Boating safety consists of many factors. The current theme will continue in the first week of June, when the national Boating Safety Week coordinated by the Finnish Lifeboat Institution will be held for the first time. The week aims to improve safety on the water and will culminate on 6 June in an open day at Finnish Lifeboat Institution stations around the country. The Finnish Border Guard, Traficom, rescue services, the police, the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation will take part in Boating Safety Week.