FWC suggests life jackets for great holiday gifts

Are you wondering what gift to get your loved one this holiday season? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has an idea. If that person is a boater, a life jacket would make a great gift – especially a newer and more comfortable version that the recipient would be more likely to wear while boating.

Examples of new life jacket styles: belt-type (above); suspender-type (below). (FWC photographs)

Unfortunately, the FWC investigates dozens of boating accidents every year. So far this year, there have been 49 boating fatalities, 35 of which resulted in drowning. For this reason, the FWC promotes wearing life jackets all the time while on the water.

"The best present you could give is one that could save a life," said Capt. Richard Moore, FWC's boating law administrator. "And you would be giving a present to yourself if that life jacket saves someone's life."

Improved life jacket technology has resulted in smaller, more comfortable models, which would be a welcome replacement to the old, bulky models of times past. One compact style straps around the waist like a belt pack. Another style fits like suspenders over the shoulders. Some of these life jackets inflate automatically when the wearer falls into the water. Prices of the new, comfortable, inflatable life jackets start at around $60.

"Most of us wouldn't be caught in a vehicle without buckling up," said Moore. "Boaters can achieve that same level of safety by buckling on their inflatable life jacket when they get on a boat. It's just too simple not to, and the peace of mind is remarkable."

To learn more about inflatable life jackets and the benefits of wearing one while boating, visit www.wearitflorida.com/.