when on pleasure boats, when do you wear a life jacket.
I know when I wear one. The question was more of a survey. per USCG 2007 stats, over 90% of boating drowning were not wearing PFDs. I wear mine when I am solo and ask crew in force 4+ weather.
Captain Bill
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This depends on the size of the pleasure boat, while in a canoe I want a vest on (inflatable) all the time. In a 18 - 20 ' bass boat - operating at high speed I would wear it while moving from point a to point b. On a 23' walk around only if the weather got real bad would I think about wearing one or if in an emergency.
Though not required, a PFD should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. A wearable PFD can save your life, but only if you wear it.
Some activities would require the use of a PFD; Your state or government regulations may require them for canoes, white water rafting, sailboarding and operating a PWC.
.Good Luck and Boat Safe !
Anonymous
State and Coast Guard regulation place age limits on who has to wear a PFD (life Jacket). in my state anyone under the age of 14 must wear one at all times when the boat is underway. Other than that it is a common Sense thing. I always wear mine when I run wide open 100 mph + just go to your Coast Guard Auxiliary or Marine Authority and they can give you the best advice for boating in your State/Country.
when underway I insist on PFD's being worn whenever the activities on deck increase the possibility of falling overboard
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Statistically, most people who die in boating accidents AREN'T wearing PFDs. No matter how good a swimmer you are, you can't swim while knocked unconscious. A helmet may protect you from head injury, but it won't keep you from a knock out concussion. Rafting and kayaking have certain inherent risks, they are rugged activities. Pleasure boating may seem more tame, but that is where most people die in boating accidents. Remember in most situations, if you are overboard, or your boat has sunk, you are too far from shore to swim. Ride in a Navy or Coast Guard small craft, and you'll see that everyone is wearing PFDs, all the time (and they are the pros). I am an excellent swimmer, and have been for fifty years, but I still put on a PFD when appropriate.
Jet 380
It is reccomended that you wear a life jacket:
When bad weather comes in,
If it is dark,
At the first sign of an emergency,
When undergoing activities where you are likely to fall off (like mooring)
and at all times for children.
Personally, I have only hired boats and only used the life jackets when we are required to by the hirer.
Veronica Alicia
Not on a pleasure boat (except for life-boat drill), but always wear one when on our small boat on fast rivers and definitely on the Thames.