The summer session of the recreational cod fishery is still young, but a master mariner is concerned with some of the postings he is seeing on social media.

Captain Kris Drodge says the most important aspect of safety is to wear a personal flotation device at all times. That does not mean having one aboard and flinging it into the corner of the boat – it means having it on and knowing how to activate and operate it.

A man lost his life on the Northern Peninsula a couple of weekends ago when the sea-doo that he and a woman were on overturned. She managed to swim to shore, but he did not survive. Neither was wearing a PFD.

Captain Drodge says there are different types of PFDs including the basic lifejacket, and all serve the same purpose.

“You should understand how it fits, and if you’re taking children along, know all about the fitting. It’s like ensuring you have the ‘right tools for the job’ so to speak,” says Captain Drodge.