I remember going fishing with my dad when I was younger and having to put on this bright orange square vest that smelled of mildew and rotten fish.
I couldn't turn my head and I would have deep crimson rope burns from the straps.
I hated wearing that life vest, but dad always made me put it on.
Now that I am older, I realize that dad really did know best...
it's just the form, fit, and function wasn't as advanced as we'd hoped it was then.
I take my girls fishing with me quite often and I want them to be just as safe without having those ugly and painful burns.
Thankfully, life jackets are not those uncomfortable, painful, bulky orange bags anymore.
Rather than the traditional horse collar style, like the ones my dad made me wear, life jackets are made to look like a vest with adjustable closing clasps to get a snug, comfortable fit.
They come in all different sizes from adult to child and yes, there are even life jackets for our four legged friends.
What is a life vest made of? Usually, closed cell foam wrapped in nylon.
Most life vests are double or triple stitched to keep damage to a minimum, and the materials are treated with an antimicrobial solution to keep them from mildewing.
The "new style" vests are made in an array of brightly colored fabrics for visibility and some have a reflective material sewn in so they can be seen at night.
Caution: Life jackets are not a substitute for knowing how to swim.
They are a flotation device designed to keep a person in an upright position with the head above water until rescue can be made.
Thanks to progressive innovation and continual research and design, they are more comfortable than their predecessors.
Remember what dad used to say and wear your life jackets at all times.
Not only will you be prepared, but you will set an example of safe boating practices to the younger generation.