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Like them or not, they are a must when boating. You may remember when you applied for your boat insurance in NY, the question “are life jackets kept on board?” You may have also seen people get ticketed on the waters for boating without them.
Life jackets are designed to protect persons in the unexpected event of a water accident, and lets face it, accidents happen all the time. That’s why we carry insurance. Life jackets also help your body retain heat if you should fall into cold water. Life jackets, vests, and life preservers never should substitute for good judgment and adult supervision. That will almost guarantee an accident. When boating, make sure you always have enough life jackets on board for every passenger.
Life jackets, of course, must always be worn by toddlers on deck, or anyone that can not swim at all. Believe it or not, they even make life jackets and vests for your pets now.
Life jackets should be tested for wear and tear at least once per year, and stored out of direct sun light.
Insurance Is Not Evil 