That advice coming from Cameron Taylor of BOATsmart, who tells CHSJ News that in 89% of boating-related drownings the people could have been saved if they'd been wearing one. However, alcohol is also a factor and a concern with the warm weather. Taylor tells us that alcohol is a factor in 35% of boating deaths.
This this time of year, cold water immersion can happen. That's where your body exhibits a natural reflex to gasp for air when you hit the water. Cameron says if you're not wearing a life-jacket when you're thrown in, you can gasp in water.