Do you always wear them?

[Bumpkin]

I have to agree about being in calm water. I hate wearing life jackets, but I will wear one in certain situations.

I had a friend who drowned at the Jersey Shore a few years back because he wasn't wearing one. But in his case it was a situation where he should have had it on - in the ocean, by himself, drinking beer. Those three things definitely add up to needing a life jacket.

[boomerang]

Originally Posted by amanda

Sometimes I take my life vest off while I'm rowing. I know it's dangerous, but there's something that is just so much freer about being without one. My siblings get mad at me, but I think it's okay. Who's right?

No, it's not OK. You should never be on the river without the life vest, though you are paddling in calm water. On the river, you will never know what will happen next.

[failghe]

When I took a boating course it said Coast Guard stats show approximately 70% of the victims of fatal boating accidents die because they end up in the water without warning or preparation. An estimated 75% of the people who drown might have been saved if they had been wearing a life jacket. Most of the victims owned life jackets but died not wearing them. And if I remember correctly most fall out of boats 16 feet or smaller. And alcohol had a large percentage of why people fell into the water.
That said I still don't wear mine but it is close by and I am usually with others and not alone. I know, no excuse wear it always.
BTW I do highly recommend taking a boating course even if only paddling.