What is a common consequence of not wearing a life vest while boating?

Not wearing a life vest while boating significantly increases the risk of drowning, which is the primary reason it is crucial to always wear one. Life vests are designed to keep a person afloat in the water, enhancing buoyancy and providing critical support during emergencies. In the event of an accident, such as capsizing or falling overboard, a life vest can enable a person to remain above water, buying time to be rescued or to swim to safety.

While it is true that not wearing a life vest can also lead to a higher chance of falling overboard and complicate rescue efforts, the immediate and most severe consequence is drowning. Statistics show that drowning is one of the leading causes of death in boating accidents, particularly when individuals are not equipped with personal flotation devices. This underscores the vital importance of life vests as a preventative safety measure.