What is the recommended guidance on PFD use for children during a visit?

• A. Children should wear a PFD only when underway.
• B. Children should wear a properly fitted PFD whenever underway.
• C. PFDs are optional for children if they are strong swimmers.
• D. PFD use is only required for passengers, not children.

Answer: (B)

The important idea is to keep children protected by wearing a properly fitted life jacket whenever the vessel is underway. A PFD provides buoyancy to keep a child afloat and helps prevent drowning even if they’re not conscious or if conditions change suddenly. For a visit, choose a Coast Guard–approved PFD sized for the child’s weight and chest measurement, and make sure the straps are snug and secured so the vest can’t ride up or slip off. This emphasis on both wearing the device and it being properly fitted is what makes this guidance the safest and most reliable. The other options fall short because a life jacket isn’t optional for children, and you can’t rely on swimming ability alone to stay safe on the water.