Look at life jackets in a whole new way

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Written by BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water report.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Wear it: Most boating deaths happen in small boats with winds less than 6 miles per hour. New, comfortable life jacket designs are being promoted to help reduce drowning deaths. Small boats such as open runabouts, personal watercraft, Jon boats and paddle-powered craft are popular on U.S. waterways because they are affordable and easy to use. However, they can also be the most deadly. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, of the 474 drowning deaths in 2006, 42 percent (201) involved boats less than 16 feet in length. A 2007 BoatU.S. Foundation study of California boaters showed that about 60 percent say they would wear a life jacket if it were more comfortable. However, while comfortable designs are here today, many boaters may not know what is available. Newer vest-style life jackets allow complete freedom of movement with broad arm cutouts and buoyancy pockets placed low on the body, allowing for unimpeded movement. Many of the newest inflatable life jackets are no larger than a fanny belt pack and fit comfortably around the waist. The study showed that boaters understand the need to put a life jacket on when the weather goes bad. But U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that most boating accidents occurred when conditions were calm (waves less than six inches), winds were light (less than six miles per hour) and visibility was good.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 June 2008 )

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