'There's no lobster worth a life': P.E.I. fishers reminded life-jackets are mandatory

Many fishers on P.E.I. have heeded the message around the use of life-jackets on the water, health and safety officials say.

With many fishers beginning their season, occupational health and safety officials have been visiting harbours to reinforce the message around life-jackets.

Regulations require their use. While some fishers might not have worn a life-jacket years ago, more people seem to be following the rules now, says Danny Miller, director of occupational health and safety with the Workers Compensation Board of P.E.I.

"It's a very positive change," he said. "I hope fishers are doing the right thing and it's not just because we're watching. Hopefully they're doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do."

Allan Coady, who's fished lobster since the 1970s, said everyone on his boat for setting day Sunday will be wearing one.

"I'm all for that," said Coady, standing on the dock at Covehead Harbour. "I have 22 on board so we do have lots of life-jackets."

He said it can be a "little more awkward" to wear a life-jacket when fishing, he said. But he said fishermen have died because they weren't wearing them.

Ahead of setting day on Sunday, he said safety is top of mind. "There's no lobster worth a life, that's for sure." 

If fishers don't wear a life-jacket they can be issued a non-compliance order. If they don't comply, a stop-work order can be issued.