National Lifejacket Day: #LifeJacketLiving, then and now

My grandpa was... a character.

A retired jail guard, he towered over most people and delighted in giving everyone, especially my new boyfriends, the 3rd degree.

His catch phrases – more like a series of not-so-subtle common sense reminders – were a running family joke. At the cottage, you frequently heard his booming voice: “Close the door!” “Turn out the lights!” and, whenever we headed toward the water, “Where’s your lifejacket?”

We teased him about it, but we knew the reminders meant that he cared.

As I look back through our family photos, I see a lot of questionable fashion choices (Ah, the 80s. And also the 90s). But no matter what era, my brother, cousins and I are always wearing a lifejacket. And we have our grandpa, Jack Bye, to thank for that.

This year, National Lifejacket Day takes place on “Throwback Thursday” (#TBT). The Canadian Red Cross is asking you to share your lifejacket photos and memories with the hashtag #LifeJacketLiving on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Tag your friends and family, and remind them of the loved ones who first taught you to rock that life-saving style.  

Boy wearing lifejacket
Photo courtesy of Sara Falconer
Grandpa Jack
Grandpa Jack wearing his lifejacket. Photo courtesy of Sara Falconer.
Young Sara wearing lifejacket holding a fish
Photo courtesy of Sara Falconer
Children wearing lifejackets
Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Archives
Men canoeing while wearing lifejackets
Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Archives
Man wearing an old version of a lifejacket
Photo courtesy of Sheringham Museum Trustees
Retro lifejacket - archive photo
Photo courtesy of Sheringham Museum Trustees
Young boys wearing lifejackets
Photo courtesy of Sara Falconer
Young girl wearing a lifejacket
Photo courtesy of Kayla Brien

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