How to Choose the Right Life Jacket: A Boater’s Guide
Safety on the water starts with wearing the right life jacket — and the best life jacket is the one you will wear whenever you’re boating. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, many drownings happen on calm, pleasant days when people underestimate the risk. Whether you’re boating on the Fox Waterway, Chain O’Lakes, or any other body of water, understanding how to select and fit a life jacket could save a life.
Life Jacket Requirements and Standards
Every recreational vessel is required to have a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)‑approved wearable life jacket for each person on board. These jackets must be the correct size and in good, serviceable condition, and they must be readily accessible during a boating trip.
Children under age 13 must wear their life jackets while the vessel is underway, unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin. State laws may vary, so check with local authorities for specific area requirements.
