The recent rescue of a duck hunter in Casco Bay is a stark reminder that wearing a life jacket can save your life when the water is cold. The hunter’s boat began sinking, but he was prepared. With his life jacket on, he stayed afloat until help arrived and has recovered despite severe hypothermia. Not every water emergency ends this well. Life jackets save lives. Don’t take the risk.

According to United States Coast Guard boating statistics, three out of every four boaters who die in a boating accident drowned, and of those deaths, 87% were not wearing a life jacket; many were skilled boaters who could swim. You wouldn’t try to put on a seat belt during a car crash, and you can’t put on a life jacket in the middle of a boating emergency.

Wearing a life jacket on the water is critical. So, before heading out, boaters should make sure everyone on board has one that fits properly. Need to borrow a life jacket? Check out the Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Station at: boatingsafety.com/page/life-jacket-loaner-program.

It could save a life.

Gail Kulp
Executive Director, Sea Tow Foundation
Southold, N.Y.