A life jacket does nothing from under a seat. Coast Guard guidance puts it simply: the best one is the one you will actually wear, and modern designs make that easier for anglers than it used to be.
Why wear it on nice days
It is tempting to skip a jacket in sun and calm water, yet the Coast Guard notes that the majority of boating drownings take place on pleasant days. Cold shock adds to the risk. The National Weather Service says sudden immersion can cause gasping and rapid breathing, and that the effect has been triggered by water as warm as 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It also reports that cold shock can be as severe at 50 to 60 degrees as at 35 degrees.
Pick a style you will keep on
Approved jackets come in many shapes. Certain designs are integrated into fishing vests or hunting jackets. Inflatable models can be as small as a scarf or waist pack until contact with water triggers inflation. Certain buoyancy aids suit only confident swimmers, so check the label and be candid about your skills.
Check the fit
- A foam jacket should fit snugly and should not ride up past the chin or ears when you lift the shoulders.
- Children need child-sized jackets, since adult sizes may not work. Rules for children vary by state.
- Try it on in the water if you can, to make sure your airway stays clear.
Most adults need only 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water, but fatigue, injury or cold can change what you can do for yourself.
Keep it ready
- Once a year, inspect foam jackets and test them in the water. Discard any that are waterlogged, faded or damaged.
- Maintain inflatable models according to the manufacturer.
- Store jackets where you can reach them quickly, not in plastic bags, locked compartments or under other gear.
A recreational boat must carry an approved wearable jacket for every person aboard. Wearing it whenever the boat is moving is the safer habit.