Life Jacket
Wear
Why Should I Wear My Life Jacket?
New Life Jackets Are Attractive and Easy To Wear
Things to Know
How Do Life Jackets Save Lives?
Why Should I Wear My Life
Jacket?
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life
jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating
fatality victims.
As a boat operator, you're in command of
the safety of your passengers. But accidents can, and do happen
with terrifying speed on the water. There's rarely time to
reach stowed life jackets.
The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you and
your passengers to wear your life jacket all the time while
underway.
New Life Jackets Are Attractive
and Easy To Wear
Boaters enjoy the feel of sun and spray.
So it’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket
– especially on nice days. But modern life jackets are
available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.
Many are thin and flexible. Some are built right into fishing
vests or hunter coats. Others are inflatable — as compact
as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water, when they automatically
fill with air.
There’s no excuse not to wear a life
jacket on the water!
Things to Know
- Certain life jackets are designed to keep
your head above water and help you remain in a position
which permits proper breathing.
- To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements,
a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II,
III, or V life jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet
and over must have at least one Type IV throwable device
as well.
- All states have regulations regarding life
jacket wear by children.
- Adult-sized life jackets will not work for
children. Special life jackets are available. To work correctly,
a life jacket must be worn, fit snugly, and not allow the
child’s chin or ears to slip through.
- Life jackets should be tested for wear and
buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded, or
leaky jackets should be discarded.
- Life jackets must be properly stowed.
- A life jacket — especially a
snug-fitting flotation coat or deck-suit style — can
help you survive in cold water.
How Do Life Jackets Save
Lives?
- When capsized in rough water.
- When sinking in unexpectedly heavy
sea conditions.
- When thrown from the boat as a result
of a collision.
- When injured by rocks or submerged
objects.
- When unconscious from carbon monoxide
fumes.
- When tossed into freezing water.
- When thrown off balance while fishing.
- When unable to swim because of heavy
or waterlogged clothing.
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