Wearing a life jacket is mandatory regardless of the type of watersport you are into. It also does not matter how proficient a swimmer you are. Moreover, even if you are swimming in shallow water or on a deep beach, you need to wear a life jacket.
The core question is, “Can you drown with a life jacket?” Well, don’t worry if you’re not sure of the answer. We will assist you in finding the solution to this issue. Therefore, we ask that you stay in touch with us until the end.
Can You Drown with Life Jacket on in the water?
People know that wearing a life jacket can prevent them from drowning. But, it is a regrettable fallacy that many people hold that wearing one completely removes the possibility of drowning.
Even if a child is confident in the water and wearing a life jacket, continuous monitoring and attention are still required when in or near the water.
When wearing a life jacket, there are some situations where one can still drown. Let’s go through each context more in-depth and discuss how to reduce your chance of drowning while putting on a life jacket.
Three Times you can Still Drown While Wearing a Life Jacket
In this section, we will discuss some situations in which you can drown even wearing a life jacket. But, before that, you must be clear that life jackets are one of the essential tools to prevent drowning.
Wearing a life jacket does not guarantee you won’t drown. While wearing a life jacket significantly lowers your risk of drowning, there are still several situations where you could perish from drowning.
1. Risky Water Conditions
Most beaches forbid participating in water recreation when the sea is stormy for a reason. While life jackets keep swimmers from sinking below the water’s surface, they offer no resistance against powerful waves.
A swimmer may be repeatedly dragged underneath by powerful waves, flush drowned. Sporting activities, including kayaking and paddling, are also prone to drowning.
Frequent submersion beneath water might cause water to enter your nose and mouth, knocking you out. You could suffocate or drown if too much water gets in your mouth or nose.
In such a situation, you can still drown even by wearing a life jacket.
2. Snagging or Being Trapped Underwater
Underwater trapping is among the terrifying things that can occur to you while you’re in open water.
You become stuck and are unable to raise when your foot becomes wedged beneath submerged trash or structures (such as a coral reef).
In shallow waters, underwater trapping is common. Most drowning cases occur when people are too tired to keep their heads above the water.
If you fall forward or struggle to keep your head above the water, wearing a life jacket won’t do anything to help during this.
3. Using Life Jackets That Are Broken or Old
Life jackets that are worn out or damaged shouldn’t be used for water sports since they aren’t strong enough to provide safety and protection.
A damaged life jacket will need significantly more effort to keep you afloat, increasing your risk of pain and fatigue.
It might be challenging to determine whether a life jacket still provides adequate protection. Consider replacing your life jacket immediately if there are apparent rips in the fabric.
Measures to Reduce the Risk of Drowning While Wearing a Life Jacket
Here are some measures you must take to reduce the risk of drowning while wearing a life jacket.
§ Choose a Best Suited Life Jacket
For maximum protection and safety, pick a life jacket that perfectly suits your weight and height. It may take trial and error to discover one that is comfortable for you, but it will prevent you from drowning.
§ Check Your Life Jacket before Wearing
Before wearing your life jacket to go into the water, you should always check it. Keep an eye out for cracks, tears, and other signs of damage.
Additionally, make sure the straps or clasps are still securely fastened. If your life jacket isn’t able to keep you protected, it’s time to replace it.
§ Make use of the Buddy System
Even though the expression “there’s safety in numbers” is often overused, it holds some validity. So, you should prefer to go out in a group on open water.
It will be safe the more people you have with you. A group is easier to spot than a single person. Additionally, having more personnel implies you’ll have more excellent support in an emergency.
Conclusion
Although a life jacket is undoubtedly a necessary piece of attire for keeping you safe in the water, you shouldn’t rely on it as your only line of protection. Despite wearing a life jacket that can assist you in avoiding drowning, accidents are still possible.
One aspect of keeping safe in the water is wearing a good, sturdy, and long-lasting life jacket. Other precautions you should take include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, forming a buddy system, and dressing appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you drown with a life jacket?
- Yes, you can drown even if you have worn a life jacket. The conditions include when your life jacket is worn out or when you have not adequately checked them before entering the water.
Q. Has anyone ever drowned wearing a life jacket?
- Yes, on June 10, 2018, a mother, Nicole Hughes, of 3-year-old Levi, reported that his son drowned while wearing a life jacket when they were on vacation in Fort Morgan, AL.
Q. How safe are life jackets?
- Life jacket saves by providing floatation when someone unexpectedly drowns in water.
Q. Can you swim in a life jacket?
- You may swim while wearing a life jacket because its only purpose is to provide stability; otherwise, you must swim to move around in the water.
Q. Does a life jacket keep you afloat?
- Yes, a life jacket keeps you afloat. They are known to be flotation devices since they ensure that your airway and face are out of the water.
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