One of the first things that I pack when heading out on the boat with my kids are the life vest. Before my children set foot on the vessel they zip and snap the life saving device snugly into place. There are a multitude of reasons why life jackets are necessary for kids. Learn the top 8 reasons why kids life jackets must be worn while boating. 

Drowning Prevention

First and foremost, the primary reason that children must wear a life jacket on a boat is to assist in the prevention of drowning. Unfortunately, every year, children drown while boating. For this reason, kids are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times. 

With that said, in order to reduce the risk of drowning not only should the child wear a life vest but a properly sized life jacket. The jacket sizes are determined by the weight of the child. 

Unexpected Emergencies

As a former captain, I was and continue to be highly aware of my surroundings while boating. However, this does not mean that accidents cannot occur. 

Sudden emergencies happen for a multitude of reasons including colliding with other vessels, hitting fixed objects, capsizing, taking on water, and more. 

Without question, any of the above reasons can cause children to be thrown into the water suddenly or need to stay afloat because the vessel is slowly sinking. 

For this reason, children must remain in the life vest at all times, even when at anchor. 

Increased Visibility

Remember, when purchasing a children life jacket you will have options when it comes to picking a color. Importantly, choosing a bright color will better help you spot young ones when they are in the water.

I avoid picking dark-colored life jackets for my kids. Instead, I pick yellows, oranges, or those with a reflective strip. 

Also, remember that kids are small in stature making them even harder to spot. Choose a life jacket that is brightly colored to better keep your children safe. 

Maritime Law

Maritime law in regard to children and life vests is highly dependent on the state. However, for the most part, you can expect that your child will be legally required to wear a life jacket until sometime between 10 and 13 years old. 

However, despite a child aging out of the legal requirements, they should still remain in a life jacket for safety despite being a strong swimmer. Boating accidents can cause victims to fall unconscious, and the life vest is a means of keeping them afloat until help arrives. 

Comfort For Parents

A parent’s worst nightmare would be to lose a child who failed to wear a life jacket while boating. The combination of swift currents, winds, and boats traveling at high rates of speed can quickly make you lose sight of kids who went overboard. 

In order to have more peace of mind while relaxing on the water, make that kids continue to wear the life jacket provided. 

Teaches Safe Habits

I will admit that, as an adult, I do not wear a life jacket. However, that doesn’t mean that I should not be wearing one at all times. 

For this reason, getting children accustomed to wearing live vests at a young age will instill good habits for years to come. You’ll want to encourage kids when they have them on. First, encouragement will reduce the chances of kids wanting them off. Secondly, starting kids wearing life vests at a young age will make them more likely to wear them into adulthood. 

Protects Against Unpredictable Conditions

I can tell you from my experiences that weather conditions can change quickly while out on the water. Blue skies shift to thunderstorms and wind before you have time to return back to the dock. 

Rather than scrambling to put on life jackets when the weather turns, kids in vests will be prepared for fast runs in rough conditions back to the safety of a harbor. However, do your best to monitor the approaching weather to avoid the situation altogether. 

Safety With  Recreational Activities

Not only did I perform a multitude of recreational water activities, but so did my kids. Some of the water activities include tubing, waterskiing, paddleboarding, and more. 

In the event that your children are doing any of the above, they will have no choice but to wear a quality life jacket. Furthermore, select a comfortable life vest so that it does not inhibit movement and is suited for the watersport. 

Kids Life Jackets Are A Necessity

While yes, life jackets are required on kids by law it is not worth fooling around with your children’s lives. Furthermore, remember to inspect the vests for damage on a routine basis and replace them when needed. Lastly, kids grow like weeds, make sure they are in the proper sized life jacket based on size.