June 30th - July 8th is National Fishing Week across Canada.

In an effort to promote the use of life jackets during that time, the Canadian Safe Boating Council is launching a new program called 'Hooked On Life Jackets', which will feature several public service announcements across print and radio.

Although it isn't required by law to be wearing a life jacket at all time, the CSBC hopes this program will encourage people to be wearing them at all times in the boat.

Shelby Rushton is the CEO of the Lifesaving Society, an organization who is in full support of 'Hooked on Lifejackets.'

Rushton says that failure to wear your life jacket is similar to getting in a car accident without your seatbelt on.

"If you're in the middle of a car accident and you didn't have your seatbelt on, there's no way you're gonna have time to put that seat belt on as you're being knocked around your car. it's the same thing in a boat."

Rushton goes on to add that you don't need an expensive life jacket to get the job done, and they might be easier to acquire than you think.

"The best thing to do is to go to a store that sells life jackets. There are some specialty stores that specialize in paddling and boating, but you can also get great life jackets and PFD's at other traditional stores like Canada Tire or Walmart. You Really should put them on."

The 'Hooked on Lifejackets' initiative will run past National Fishing Week, as the CSBC believes this is something boaters should always remember.