Entry 1 Fit decides whether it gets worn
A bulky, ill-fitting life jacket gets left in a locker because it is uncomfortable, while a well-fitted, low-profile one gets worn without much thought. Matching the jacket to the person, not just grabbing whatever is on top of the pile, is most of the battle.
Entry 2 The moments that matter most are brief
Most incidents that call for a life jacket happen suddenly — a fall, a sudden wake, an unexpected wave — not during a calm stretch where there was time to put one on first. That is the entire argument for wearing one proactively rather than keeping it within reach.
Entry 3 Setting the rule before anyone boards
Deciding the life jacket policy for a trip — on at all times, on while underway, on for anyone under a certain age — before anyone steps aboard removes the awkward moment of asking someone to put one on once they are already settled in and relaxed.
Entry 4 Questions people ask
Do inflatable life jackets work as well as foam ones?
Both can meet the same safety standards; inflatables are often more comfortable to wear continuously but need regular checks of the inflation mechanism.
Is it overkill to require them in calm water?
Many experienced boaters treat calm-water trips the same way, since sudden incidents are rarely preceded by rough conditions as a warning.