Glossary
Life jacket
A wearable flotation device that keeps your head above water. Choose a U.S. Coast Guard-approved one that fits snugly.
A life jacket is a wearable flotation device that helps keep your head above water. The CDC (opens in a new tab) says life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities, and that children should use them for all activities in and around natural water.
The numbers are clear. In 2024, where life jacket use was known, 87% of people who drowned in U.S. boating incidents were not wearing one (U.S. Coast Guard (opens in a new tab)). At Army Corps of Engineers lakes and rivers that year, 91% of people who drowned were not wearing one.
Choosing and wearing one:
- pick a U.S. Coast Guard-approved jacket for the wearer's weight and activity; read the label;
- it should fit snugly and not ride up above the chin or ears (USCG (opens in a new tab));
- children need child sizes; adult jackets may not work for them;
- wear it, don't stow it: Minnesota's DNR (opens in a new tab) says putting one on in the water is extremely difficult.
Water wings and pool toys are not life jackets. See how to choose a life jacket, the fit test and the Life jacket finder.
What you can do today: try on each family member's life jacket and replace any that don't fit.