BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 02 - Boating Equipment

The Risks of Not Wearing a Lifejacket

There is a frightening fact that every boater should know: 9/10 drowning deaths occur close to shore and most within only a few feet of safety. Nearly all of these victims had lifejackets in their boat, but they weren’t wearing them at the time of their emergency.

You should always be wearing your lifejacket—however, at MINIMUM, you should be wearing your lifejacket during any of the following conditions:

When approaching stormy weather.
When operating near local hazards (i.e. rocks, dams or sea creatures).
When operating at night or during limited visibility.
When operating in heavy boat traffic zones.
When you’re boating alone.
When you’re boating far from shore.

Keep in mind that the weather and water conditions can change rapidly. The best way to prepare for a boating emergency is to wear your lifejacket at all times while you’re onboard a boat.