Labor Day is the perfect time to relax on your boat with family and friends, and enjoy the last few weeks of summer. And, with year-round boat insurance coverage, you'll be protected. Just make sure you review your life jacket supply to keep everyone aboard safe, too. Consider these tips:
First, examine each life jacket. If it’s waterlogged, faded, or leaky, replace it as soon as possible. Then, before you put the jackets back in storage, ask yourself these three questions:
Can I grab them quickly?
It’s best to wear a life jacket the entire boat ride. But, if you don’t, you should be able to access wearable jackets quickly—and throwable devices immediately. Don’t store them in bags or in locked or closed compartments, or with gear on top of them.
Do I have enough?
The U.S. Coast Guard requires you to have a life jacket for each person aboard, and if your boat is at least 16 feet long, you must also have at least one throwable device.
Do I have the right kinds?
Keep in mind that there are different types of life jackets—some specially sized for kids, others designed for certain kinds of water—so to get the best protection, you’ll need to choose the jackets that best fit your needs.
Here’s a snapshot of common types of life jackets:
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
To learn more about life jackets, visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division’s Web site. To keep your boat protected year-round, consider Progressive boat insurance.
The information in this blog may vary based on your particular state or situation. Always refer to your insurance policy for your specific coverages.