Because so many drownings could be prevented if every boater and paddler wore a life jacket, it is critical that boating safety advocates understand the circumstances and patterns in which life jackets are used to tailor messages and safety education programs accordingly.
On a regular basis, the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division (CG-BSX-2) commissions a National Life Jacket Wear Rate Observational Study. These informative studies about recreational boaters and life jacket wear conducted by the JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc reveal potential trends and indicators.