Why it’s Important to Wear Life Jackets
Life jackets. We see them every time we’re at the beach, pool, lake or any other body of water. While you’ve probably worn them a few times, you may not realize exactly why they’re so important. See, life jackets are actually life savers. Don’t believe us? Here are 5 reasons why they’re so important.
1. They prevent drowning.
Here’s a sad, but true, stat. 90% of drowning victims weren’t wearing a life jacket when they drowned. That’s not to say that a life jacket prevents drowning 100% of the time — we can’t quite make that claim — but it’s a helpful assist.
2. They keep your head above the water.
In the same vein of preventing drowning, the function of a life jacket is to keep you afloat — which means keeping your head above the water. When you can’t swim anymore (for whatever reason that may be), your life jacket keeps your head up so you can catch your breath.
3. They give you some time while awaiting rescues.
If you’re in a tough situation where you need assistance, having a life jacket keeps you safe while you wait for a lifeguard or team of lifeguards to assist you.
4. They assist the unconscious.
In some dire situations, a swimmer may become unconscious — perhaps from hitting their head too hard on a rock or losing too much oxygen. In these situations, wearing a life jacket is critical. It’s the only thing that can keep you from sinking, other than a lifeguard or someone else who can rescue you.
5. They keep you safe in rough waters.
Whether you’re surfing or white water rafting, life jackets are there to have your back. Literally. You’ll notice 
that rafting and tubing companies require a life jacket, and there’s a reason for it. Water can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
The next time you think about ditching the life jacket, think again. They come in all sizes, colors and styles, so you should have no trouble finding the perfect life jacket for you.
To be sure you are not missing out on any lifeguard stories, please subscribe to our newsletter here!
For future articles about lifeguarding related industry topics, visit www.lifeguardtv.com
