PFDs Save Lives

Drowning is the number one reason boaters die, as shown by boating accident statistics. Most deaths happen when boats flip over, or people fall overboard, and they’re not wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). These accidents usually happen suddenly. Experts in boating safety believe that always wearing a PFD can increase your survival odds by at least 50%. The more often people wear PFDs, the higher their chances of surviving an emergency.

Wearing a PFD while boating is important for many reasons:

• Prevents Drowning: Life jackets are made to keep you floating in the water. Even strong swimmers can get too tired, cold, or hurt, making it hard to swim.
• Staying Afloat in Crises: In emergencies, such as if a boat flips over or someone falls into the water without warning, the sudden shock and confusion can make swimming hard. A life jacket helps keep your head above water so you can breathe.
• Safety in Cold Water: Cold water can make it harder to think or move. It takes your breath away temporarily. That’s why it’s important to have something that keeps you floating without using your energy to swim.
• Easier to Spot for Rescue: Many life jackets are made with bright colors and materials that reflect light. This makes it easier for rescue teams to see someone in the water.
• Changing Water Conditions: Most deaths and injuries happen because of a sudden emergency, such as capsizing, flooding, or falling overboard. Water conditions can change rapidly, and these emergencies happen fast, with almost no time to prepare. Wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) can save your life.
• Incapacitation: If someone becomes unconscious because of an accident or a health problem, a life jacket can save their life. It helps keep them floating and their head above water.
• Hard to Put On in an Emergency: Trying to put on a PFD when you’re already in the water is hard. You should put it on before you start your trip and keep it on the whole time. This way, you won’t be caught by surprise.