Why are life jackets important when operating a vessel?

Life jackets are crucial safety equipment for anyone operating a vessel because they provide flotation in case of an emergency. If a person falls overboard or if the vessel capsizes, a life jacket helps keep the individual afloat, reducing the risk of drowning. Wearing a life jacket increases a person’s chances of survival until help can arrive or until they can safely return to the vessel.

While there are other uses for life jackets, such as possibly being used for comfort on a hard surface, their primary purpose is to offer buoyancy and support during emergencies. Life jackets are not limited in their usefulness to children or exclusive to larger vessels; they are essential safety gear regardless of age or vessel size. Hence, it is vital to understand their role in promoting safety on the water.