There is no reason good enough not to wear it

"It's too hot! It doesn't look cool. I know how to swim. Nothing is going to happen to me," are just some of the reasons that people claim that they do not wear their life jackets.

But with approximately 700 people drowning each year from recreational boating accidents, it is imperative for everyone to wear your life jacket at all times while they are on the water. Life jackets are no longer the orange, hot and bulky vests that are commonly associated with on the water safety gear. New innovations and developments in life jackets have produced a smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable version of a life jacket, leaving people with no reason not to wear one, according to a news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Much like a helmet to a biker or skate boarder, life jackets are an essential part of boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on the water. In 2004, of the 676 recreational boating fatalities 90 percent of those victims were not wearing their life jackets.

Life jackets are now lighter, less obtrusive and more attractive than ever before. The new inflatable life jackets or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) allows the mobility and flexibility that people need when boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather. There are many different varieties of inflatable jackets ranging from those that inflate instantly when someone hits the water to those that are manually inflated. All are designed to be more comfortable and wearable than the traditional life jacket.

Accidents can happen at an alarming speed anyplace or anytime people are on the water. Although many boaters stow life jackets on their boat, very few choose to wear them. There just is not time to grab a life jacket and put it on properly before people are in the water during an accident. When faced with a strong current or unfavorable weather conditions people will not only have trouble making sure they are safe and secure in their life jacket, but they will be unable to help their friends, relatives, children or passengers that have accompanied them in their boat. Wearing a life jacket will allow people to be safe in case of an accident and will also allow them the ability to assist others that may be in danger.

This year during National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, and throughout the boating season remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear a life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. By practicing these simple steps people can save their life as well as the lives of the people boating with them.