Top 10 Times When You Should Absolutely, Positively Wear a Life Jacket

Statistically speaking, boating is one of the safest outdoor activities, but because the participants are surrounded by water, there is always the possibility someone can end up in it. The Sea Tow Foundation and U.S. Coast Guard recommend boaters wear life jackets at all times, because you can never predict when you’ll need them. If you don’t have enough for everyone on board, the Sea Tow Foundation has established a nationwide Life Jacket Loaner Program with over 750 loaner stations where life jackets are available to be borrowed and returned at no charge to help keep boaters safe.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s most recent Recreational Boating Statistics report, where the cause of death was known, 79% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86% were not wearing a life jacket.  This means that your odds are nearly 9 out of 10 that a life jacket will save your life, so it is important to know when it should be worn.And we have the top 10 times when it should definitely be worn.

1. When it is the Law

Each state and territory within the U.S. determines the age requirements for wearing life jackets, therefore it is important to so check resources like the Sea Tow Foundation’s blog post on the topic that lists each state’s regulations. When operating in federal waters, the Coast Guard requires children under 13 to wear a properly fitting life jacket whenever a boat is underway unless the children are in a cabin.

2. When the Boat is Moving

According to recent statistics, 78 percent of boats involved in accidents are moving, a good starting point would be to ask guests to wear life jackets whenever the boat is at cruising speed. Accidents can cause the boat’s occupants to fall into the water and those not wearing jackets are at a much greater risk of drowning.  

3. When on a Small Boat

Most drownings occurred on boats that were less than 16 feet long, according to U.S. Coast Guard statistics. These boats are typically less stable and are more affected by wind, waves and other boat’s wakes. Many state regulations mandate the use of life jackets when operating small vessels like personal watercraft and canoes, but even if it’s not required, it makes good sense to wear them.     

4. When Boating in Rough Water

Experienced boaters know the wind and waves can kick up suddenly, especially if a storm is on the way. During these times, it’s especially important to wear life jackets. Though rare, if a boat becomes swamped or capsizes, those who are wearing jackets are far safer. This also holds true whenever boating in whitewater conditions.

5. When Boating in Cold Water

Boaters who end up in cold water are subject to greater danger than when in warm water. First, cold water shock immediately takes effect which causes a person to hyperventilate and, in some cases, panic. This goes away within the first few minutes, but motor function can quickly be lost making putting on a life jacket nearly impossible, causing a victim to drown long before hypothermia sets in. Wearing a life jacket is a good idea and is the law in many states during cold weather months. Just remember that the water can be cold even if the air temperature is warm, so be sure to dress for the water temperature in case you fall in.

6. When the Driver of a Boat is New to the Sport

When a new boater is learning how to operate the boat, they may perform maneuvers that are not as smooth as someone who has had a lot of practice. This isn’t much different than when a new driver learns how to drive a car, but the biggest different is that boats don’t have brakes or turn signals. The jerky movements of the boat could cause someone in the boat to be thrown overboard unexpectedly and it is better to have the life jacket on while they are learning.

7. When the Person Can’t Swim or is a Weak Swimmer

If a person onboard a boat can’t swim or is a poor swimmer, they should definitely wear a life jacket at all times. There is no guarantee that someone will see them fall overboard and be able to throw something to them or be able to go after them in an emergency.

8. When Participating in Watersports

In most states, the law requires the use of life jackets when engaged in watersports like skiing, tubing and wake surfing. Just make sure that the life jackets are designed for impact and supposed to be used in these types of activities. This means that inflatable life jackets are not approved for these activities.

9. When Moving Fast

You’ll never see a professional boat racer hurtling down a waterway at 70 mph+ without wearing a life jacket. High speeds make a vessel less stable and more prone to adversely reacting to waves which increases the chance of the boat flipping. Physical injury during a mishap at high speed could render the boater unconscious or unable to swim. Be like the pros and always wear a life jacket when going fast.

10. When Boating Alone or At Night
    
    Operating a boat along presents its own set of challenges. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, many mishaps that send a person overboard occur while the person is performing a task like setting an anchor, throwing a net or catching a fish. And if the person is the only one on board, there's no one else there to provide reboarding assistance. This is especially hazardous if the boat is moving like when trolling for fish. And nighttime operation has another set of challenges in being unable to see submerged objects or other hazards in the water. A good idea for solo boaters and/or nighttime boaters is to employ a wireless engine cut-off switch that will comply with the newly enacted federal law while allowing the wearer to still move freely around the boat. And to always have a life jacket on at all times.
    
    

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Remember, life jackets save lives, but only if you are wearing them. Can you think of any other time that a boater should definitely be wearing a life jacket? Tell us in the comments.

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