When is it good advice for adults to wear Coast Guard approved life jackets?

Wearing Coast Guard approved life jackets is particularly important when boating in bad weather. This is because adverse weather conditions, such as storms or heavy winds, can make the water choppy and increase the likelihood of accidents. In these situations, the chances of capsizing or falling overboard increase significantly, making a life jacket a crucial safety measure.

Even experienced boaters can be caught off guard by sudden weather changes, so wearing a life jacket provides an essential layer of protection. It ensures that individuals remain buoyant and have a greater chance of staying afloat until help arrives or they can reach safety.

In contrast, while wearing life jackets in calm waters, at night, or when fishing from the shore is advisable, the urgency for wearing them increases dramatically during bad weather due to the heightened risk of accidents and injuries.