Where cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 87% were not wearing a life jacket.
Children may panic if they suddenly fall into the water. This reaction can cause them to flail their arms and legs, making it difficult to float safely in a personal flotation device (PFD). While a PFD will keep a child afloat, it may not ensure that a struggling child remains face-up. Therefore, it’s crucial to teach children how to properly wear a PFD and help them become accustomed to it while in the water. For a PFD to function correctly, it must fit snugly. To assess the fit, have your child raise their arms then grab the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up. If it fits properly, the child’s chin and ears should not slip through.
