Wearing a life jacket could be the difference between life or death says Director of the Canadian Safe Boating Council, Ian Gilson.

"...if you happen to fall in the water unexpectedly, it's going to get you through those first initial shocking moments and ultimately it's going to keep your air clear and you'll last longer till you can be rescued..."

Every year, 80 percent of boaters that drown in Canada are not wearing a life jacket.

A study by the council found the reason people are not wearing life jackets while in a boat.

"the reason they don't wear their life jacket is that they can swim...In a lake, it's a lot different than a pool or a river, you're fighting current, wind, and waves that make it a lot more difficult to get to safety."

And with National Fishing week in Canada from June 30th to July 8th, a life jacket could save a life.

"as far as wearing life jackets, it's like your lucky fishing hat, they only work when you wear them."