Life Jacket Safety 101
From pool parties and water parks to boating trips and wakeboard adventures, Texas is overflowing with water-based activities to beat the summer heat. It can be tempting to jump in the water without a second thought or a life jacket, but it’s not worth the risk. An estimated 4,000 people die by unintentional drowning every year in the U.S. during all kinds of weather and water conditions, according to the American Red Cross.
Life jackets save lives, which is why Texas law requires individuals to wear them during some activities.
When to Wear a Life Jacket
The American Red Cross states that everyone, regardless of age, should wear a life jacket when in/on the ocean and open waters and while doing water-based sports, such as boating, canoeing, tubing, etc. Children and weak swimmers should wear a life jacket any time they are near water, including pools and water parks.
Life Jackets and Boating
It’s not just a good idea to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, wearable life jacket for each person on board your boat — it’s a federal law. And in Texas, once you’ve set sail on a vessel under 26 feet long, children under 13 are legally required to wear a life jacket while the boat is in motion. Many national parks have free life jacket loaner programs, so check with local park rangers for the details.
Performance Level
The U.S. Coast Guard labels life jackets numerically, using buoyancy measured in newtons. A lower number indicates that the life jacket allows for greater mobility and is intended for use near the shore for calm water activities. The higher the number, the greater the flotation and stability in the water, which is ideal for offshore activities where you might face a longer time until rescue. Newer life jackets come with easy-to-read icons indicating the performance level and warnings against unintended uses.
Life Jacket Sizes by Weight
Wearing the right size life jacket is critical for it to function properly. When worn correctly, a foam-filled life jacket will fit snugly and not rise above your chin or ears.
- Adult: > 88 lbs.
- Youth: > 55 lbs., </= 88 lbs.
- Child: > 33 lbs., </= 55 lbs.
- Infant: </= 33 lbs.
Before You Swim
Check the label to ensure you’re using the correct life jacket for your intended activity. Make sure it’s the correct size, has a snug fit, and all buckles and straps function properly. Toss out life jackets with torn fabric or loose straps, and practice swimming in the life jacket to get your bearings before you set sail.
Can’t wait to boat upon the open waters this summer? Life jackets are just one of the many ways to stay safe on the water.
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