Wearing a life jacket/Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the water is crucial for ensuring safety and can be a life-saving decision in the event of an accident. Life jackets (PFD’s) provide essential buoyancy that helps keep individuals afloat, even if they are unconscious or exhausted.
This is particularly important in unexpected situations such as sudden capsizing, strong currents, or rough waters, which can often be the case in Buzzards Bay when being a good swimmer might not be sufficient for survival.
Additionally, life jackets (PFD’s) are designed to keep the wearer’s head above water, reducing the risk of drowning. They also often come in bright colors, making it easier for rescuers to spot individuals in distress. By wearing a life jacket (PFD), boaters and swimmers can significantly increase their chances of survival and prevent tragic accidents, making it a non-negotiable part of water safety protocol.
In Massachusetts, the rules for wearing life jackets are as follows:
1. Children under 12 years old: Must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while on a vessel, unless they are in an enclosed cabin.
2. Personal Watercraft (PWC): Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
3. Towed Water Sports: Anyone being towed behind a vessel (such as water-skiing, tubing, etc.) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
4. Certain Vessels and Conditions: A. All canoeists and kayakers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket between September 15 and May 15; B. All boaters on any type of vessel must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket during the same period (September 15 to May 15) when waters are typically colder and the risk of hypothermia is higher.
5. Accessibility: There must be a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket readily accessible for each person on board any vessel at all times, regardless of the vessel type or time of year.
It’s essential to ensure that life jackets are in good condition, appropriately sized for the wearer, and suitable for the type of boating activity.
Editor’s note: This is the first of two public-safety messages from the Marion Marine Resources Commission. Next week the MRC will focus on kayak safety.