What is the importance of life jackets on a vessel?

Life jackets play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board a vessel. Their primary function is to keep passengers afloat in case of an emergency, such as capsizing or falling overboard. This buoyancy is essential as it significantly increases the chances of survival in water, especially in challenging conditions where swimming may not be possible. Life jackets are designed to support the wearer's head above water, which is essential for maintaining breathing and preventing drowning.

While life jackets may be a legal requirement for all boats and can provide warmth in cold weather, their core importance lies in their ability to keep individuals afloat. Additionally, the requirement for children under 12 to wear life jackets does not encompass the necessity for all individuals on a vessel to have access to them. Hence, emphasizing the buoyant support they offer during emergencies is fundamental to understanding their importance.