Life Jackets Save Lives

Life Jackets Save Lives

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance Encourages Boaters to Practice Safe Boating

Written By: Alan Korn, J.D. - Executive Director, Abbey's Hope

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance wants to get something off its chest and on to yours-- a personal floatation device otherwise known as a life jacket. If you are heading to a lake river, ocean or other open body of water as the summer winds down, you'll be joining tens of thousands of other fun seekers to take advantage of these idyllic vacation spots. The enjoyment, however, is not without risk. Far too many boaters drown each year because they didn't know or ignored basic boating safety tips.

Each year, an average of 700 people die in boating-related accidents nationally and nearly 80% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.

"Many boating related fatalities are a result of people falling overboard or getting swamped in a small boat and eventually drowning. Those are precisely the type of accidents where a life jacket can make all the difference," says Dr. Adam Katchmarchi, Executive Director of the NDPA.

Life jackets are now more comfortable, convenient and lightweight than ever before. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit every person and recreational opportunity. There are even life jackets that can properly fit infants and very small children.

Before you hit the water this summer, the NDPA wants to remind parents and boaters:

• Boats must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) life jacket on board for each person.

• Children 12 years of age and younger must wear their life jackets while on the water or even when they are near water like on a dock, but it is highly recommended that ALL boaters wear an approved life jacket while on or near boats.
   
• Avoid overloading your boat with people or equipment. Check the capacity plate for the maximum weight or the maximum number of people the boat can safely carry.
   
• Take a boating safety course before you head out onto the water.
   
• Do not operate a boat or other watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.