Water-play looms large in the collective Canadian psyche. Perhaps it is because we are a nation rich in water with over 31 thousand freshwater lakes & rivers covering almost 8% of our country. Or perhaps because we have the longest coastline of any country in the world.

Whatever the root, our nation’s passion for water-play inspired the humble beginnings of Salus Marine Wear Inc. In 1999, in the basement of his home in Waterloo Ontario, Steve Wagner designed the first Salus PFD, focusing on comfort, quality, function, style and attention to detail.

Today, the small Canadian manufacturer services paddlers, sailors, active families, and rescue professionals in Canada and around the world with its award-winning PFDs. Known as an industry innovator, Salus’ patented PFD designs have garnered industry accolades and international attention. That said, innovation in design is not the only thing that sets Salus apart.

Almost every Salus PFD is made in Canada, in a century old refurbished warehouse in Kitchener Ontario. Using the same attention to detail and quality that earned Salus its reputation as an industry leader, each PFD is cut, assembled and sewn by Canadians who take exceptional pride in their work.

Quality control, environmental responsibility, creating jobs for Canadians: all are reasons to be proud to be a Canadian manufacturer. For Salus, the most important reason to manufacture in Canada remains the people. From worker to customer, from paddling enthusiast to champion sailor, people are the inspiration for Salus’ designs, innovation, and commitment to staying true to their Canadian roots.