How many properly fitted PFDs should a typical recreational boat carry?

How many properly fitted PFDs should a typical recreational boat carry?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. One for every person aboard
• D. Five plus one spare

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that safety hinges on having a life jacket for everyone on board so each person can be protected immediately if they go overboard. On a typical recreational boat, you don’t know who will be aboard at any moment, so the best practice is to equip each person with a properly fitted PFD that’s readily accessible. That way, in an emergency, there’s no scramble to find a jacket or to size someone up; the correct-sized PFD is already available and can be worn quickly. The other options fall short because they either leave someone without a jacket or rely on extra spares that may not be on hand when needed. In short, one PFD per person ensures universal protection and readiness.

The main idea here is that safety hinges on having a life jacket for everyone on board so each person can be protected immediately if they go overboard. On a typical recreational boat, you don’t know who will be aboard at any moment, so the best practice is to equip each person with a properly fitted PFD that’s readily accessible. That way, in an emergency, there’s no scramble to find a jacket or to size someone up; the correct-sized PFD is already available and can be worn quickly. The other options fall short because they either leave someone without a jacket or rely on extra spares that may not be on hand when needed. In short, one PFD per person ensures universal protection and readiness.