Life jackets and a timely rescue prevented a tragedy on Conception Bay on Saturday.

Four people, including two young children, were thrown into the frigid waters when their 12-foot aluminum boat overturned around 10:30 in the morning. They were taking part in the recreational food fishery at the time.

While it’s not clear what caused the boat to capsize, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s fire captain Bazel Hibbs says there’s no question that lifejackets played a pivotal role in the positive outcome.

Hibbs says they were all wearing PFDs.

The four were floating in the water for about 10 minutes about a kilometre from shore before they were rescued by people in another boat that happened to be in the area.