Life Jackets

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When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. Ensure your life jackets are tested and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). 

USCG tested and approved life jackets should be worn by everyone, when in or around open/natural bodies of water, and when boating. Life jackets should be sized appropriately for the wearer.  

When other layers of protection may break down, life jackets can help prevent unintentional drowning. 

 Important Reminders

• Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved.
• Double check that your life jacket is appropriate for the water activities that you and your loved ones will be participating in. Read the label!
• Take the time to ensure a proper fit: right size and right weight rating.
• Check your life jacket – make sure it is in good serviceable condition, with no tears or holes.
• Life jackets are not swim lesson aids. However, exposure to life jackets during swimming lessons teaches a child how it should fit, and how it feels and performs in the water.
• The main thing to remember is that a life jacket is just one of the layers of drowning prevention. Children who have learned to swim or are comfortable in the water or in a life jacket still need other layers of drowning protection, including close supervision, fencing barriers, and lifeguards or water watchers.