What is the best type of life jacket to use?

The best type of life jacket to use is one that you will wear. A life jacket is only effective if it is being worn, as it provides crucial buoyancy and support in the water, particularly in an emergency situation. If a life jacket is stowed away or not being used, its intended purpose to keep a person afloat becomes irrelevant. Personal comfort, fit, and preference can influence whether someone decides to wear a life jacket or not. Therefore, a life jacket that is comfortable and appealing to the wearer increases the likelihood that it will be utilized, enhancing safety on the water.

Other considerations such as buoyancy, style, or cost are secondary to the most important factor—wearability. Prioritizing a life jacket that you will actually put on ensures that it will serve its purpose in keeping you safe while boating.