What is a Life Jacket?
Life jackets, also known as PFDs or personal flotation devices, are specifically designed to keep you afloat in the water. There are different types depending on your age and water activity, but the ultimate job of a life jacket is to help reduce the risk of drowning should one fall into the water.
I Know How to Swim...Why Should I Wear a Life Jacket?
Kudos! Swimming is a great life-saving skill to have, but what happens if you go into the water in not-so-ideal conditions? A life jacket may be exactly what you need to stay afloat and alive until help arrives.
Cold Water Conditions
Water temperatures differ depending on season, location, and currents and many boaters will encounter cold temperatures at some point in their boating adventures. This chart provides some insight as to just how quickly even 55 F degree water can cause loss of dexterity (10 – 15 mins) or even unconsciousness (1 – 2 hours). If you’re not able to safely stay afloat until help arrives, your chances of surviving these conditions are slim.
Rough Waters or Fast Currents
Even in the height of summer when the waters are refreshing a joy to splash in, there can be dangerous currents or unexpected roughness. It doesn’t take an ocean to experience these situations. They happen every day on lakes and rivers as well. Falling into this type of water will challenge even the best swimmer and if help doesn’t arrive quickly enough, sheer exhaustion may come before rescue does.
Loss of Consciousness
A loss of consciousness can occur to anyone through an accidental bump to the head or a possible medical emergency like fainting. If you fall into the water and experience unconsciousness without a life vest on, your chance of survival diminishes rapidly.
DISCLAIMER: There are mutliple styles and types of life jackets (PFDs) and not every type is suitable for all ages or water activities. Be sure to check with the USCG for more information when selecting your life jacket.
