How often should you check for life jackets on board your boat?

Checking for life jackets before each trip is essential for ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. This practice allows boaters to verify that there are enough life jackets for everyone on the boat, that they are in good condition, and that they are easily accessible in case of an emergency. Regular checks before each outing help to address any potential issues, such as damaged or missing life jackets, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

While checking life jackets only the first time you use the boat might seem sufficient, it doesn't account for any changes that may have occurred since that initial inspection, such as wear and tear or new passengers needing gear. Monthly checks, while better than initial-only checks, do not align with the variable nature of boating activities that can change from one trip to another. Checking after every trip is a good practice for maintenance, but it does not ensure that the safety equipment is ready and in place for the upcoming trip. Hence, a proactive approach of checking before each trip is key to effective boat safety management.