“If there is one thing I want to hammer home, it’s life jackets. It’s the latest Coast Guard statistic – 85% of people that drowned were not wearing a life jacket.”
Any time you go on a boat in the state of Texas, it is required by law that you have a life jacket for every person on the boat and that children under the age 13 must be wearing one at all times.
“You should really consider them your seatbelt on the water. I suggest wearing them at all times but if you are going to get one and purchase one, make sure it’s fitted.”
When looking for a life jacket, make sure that when you put it on, it is snug to the chest and that when you lift on the shoulder straps, they do not rise above the bottom of the ears. Also, make sure that you choose a Coast Guard approved vest that is designated for the person you are purchasing it for – a child or an adult.
“Then also there is actually a weight limit. So if you have a 50 pound child, you don’t want to have a 20 pound rated life jacket. It’s not going to keep them afloat. And of course once they get it fitted and snug, it actually has to be zipped up, buckled, and secured all the way.”
Finally, the best type of vest is one with a neck collar support so that in the case you are thrown overboard and lose consciousness, it will hold your head up for you allowing you to breath.
Sims says that while it may not the most fashionable choice, it is the best way to keep yourself safe on the water.
