Rule #1 - when you need it - its too late. Lost a life long friend earlier this week when he was fishing in Canada above a water fall so unfamiliar with the area. When he slipped out of calm water, into current and the motor was having trouble firing up, his only thoughts I'm sure were to continue firing the motor as panic ensued and not spending precious moments putting on a life jacket. The gentlemen he was fishing with survived without a scratch w/ lilfe jacket on and my friend parrished. The jacet was strapped to his chair and this was a man that in my 25 years of fishing with I had never seen w/out it securely fastened upon his chest. Remember, seat belts, helmets and life jackets in all your sporting adventures.