Life jackets save lives, but only if they are worn.

Cold water can turn dangerous in minutes; two fishermen learned this hard lesson when their boat capsized near the mouth of Dog River. Thankfully, they were wearing life jackets and were spotted by a good Samaritan who helped them make it to shore safely. Not every water emergency ends this well. Life jackets save lives. Don’t take the risk.

According to USCG boating statistics, three out of every four boaters who die in a boating accident drowned and, of those deaths, 87% were not wearing a life jacket; many were skilled boaters who could swim. You wouldn’t try to put on a seatbelt during a car crash, and you can’t put on a life jacket in the middle of a boating emergency.

Wearing a life jacket on the water is critical, so before you head out, make sure everyone has one that fits properly. If you need to borrow one, find a Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Station near you. It could save a life.

Gail R. Kulp

Executive director, Sea Tow Foundation