I’m writing this petition out of despair and the hope that no other parent will have to experience the pain I did. My son tragically drowned while canoeing on Lake Margaret. His loss was a devastating blow and clarified the dire need for enhanced water safety measures.

Adding to the tragedy is the fact that such accidents are preventable. They are often the result of a lack of basic safety measures, like life jackets. The U.S. Coast Guard reported in 2014 that 84% of drowning victims who died from a boating incident were not wearing a life jacket. This scenario is mirrored all too closely in our region’s bodies of water: Port Stanley, Main Beach, and Lake Margaret in St. Thomas.

For this reason, I'm urging local officials to implement a life jacket loaner program for these places. By making life jackets freely available for anyone who needs them, we can significantly reduce the risk of water-related tragedies. The successful implementation of similar programs across the country should serve as encouragement and proof that this measure carries significant potential of saving lives.

Please agree to prioritize safety and prevent more unnecessary drownings. Sign this petition to support the implementation of a life jacket loaner program in Port Stanley, Main Beach, and Lake Margaret.