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OK, we know you don’t want to look like a dork, a character from "Jackass" or a big, walking bright orange tomato.
Be honest. Is that your image of a life jacket wearer? If so, your wardrobe needs updating. The latest life jackets are sleek and come in cool muted or electric colors.
PFD is short for “personal flotation device” – just another way of saying life jacket or belt pack.
Wearing one on the water shows you’re smart because it’s the most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe while swimming and boating.
BTW, swim noodles don’t count as PFDs – they’re fun, but they can’t keep your head above water if you’re drowning.
- Nearly 700 people died in recreational U.S. boating accidents in 2005, according to the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Drowning was the cause of 70 percent of these deaths; 90 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
- Overall, approximately 566 lives could have been saved in 2005 if boaters had worn their life jackets.
 Everyone should wear a life jacket when boating. Think of PFDs as a koozie for your  body. Strap one on. Boaters often don’t have time to retrieve stowed life jackets during an emergency.
Wearing a life jacket not only makes sense, but in many cases it's the law. All recreational boats including canoes and kayak must have one wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD or life jacket for each person on board.
Babies, small children and non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket when near the water, not just when boating or swimming. It's just common sense.
Follow state law — and common sense — when it comes to wearing a life jacket! |
