Officially, they are called personal flotation devices, but they are universally referred to as Life Jackets because that is what there are intended to be - a life-saving device.

Despite the fact that their use is preached continuously in all boating safety classes, and are prime targets in all boat inspections, their use is often ignored.  Why?  Probably because they can be somewhat bulky and uncomfortable to wear.  After all, boating is a popular recreational activity where people enjoy the freedom arrived at in bathing suits instead of being all bundled up is unattractive gear.

Or if you are a fisherman, you prefer the freedom of unencumbered movement as opposed to the bulk and confinement of a life jacket.  Lets face it, these are all legitimate reasons to shun something that could ultimately safe your life.  But are they worth it?

National statistics show that in 82 percent of boating accident fatalities, life jackets were not worn! Does that mean that all fatalities could have been prevented by wearing life jackets?  Certainly not, but only 15 percent of all boating fatalities involved those who were wearing them.

Many reasonable boaters will take the position that they’ll keep them handy to wear if they get in trouble.  The reality is that trouble seldom arises with advance warning or in time to take preventive measures.

For example, 58 percent of boating accidents involve collisions with other boats or with fixed objects.  Collisions don’t happen on a planned or scheduled basis. They happen quickly and unexpectedly with little warning.  Obviously, in these situations there is little time to search around for and put on a properly fitting life jacket.

The fourth most frequent boating accident involves people simply falling overboard.  Here again, these are not planned events!

To be effective, life jackets must be worn!  There have been numerous demonstrations conducted to see if individuals can successfully put on and adjust life jackets while they are in the water.  Most were conducted in a swimming pool environment with calm water at comfortable temperatures. In nearly all cases, those involved in the test failed in their attempts.  It would have been totally impossible to do in rough or cold-water conditions.

Modern day life jackets are designed for specific boating activities.  For example, those designed for use by water skiers or operators of personal water craft are designed to withstand high speed impact.  The new, and now more affordable, inflatable jackets are ideal for fisherman or other sportsman who require light weight and freedom of movement.

So, be a survivor!  Wear that life jacket! It might save your life!