"If you're just wading near the shore, navigating shallow creeks, or sitting on a boat in shallow water, a life jacket is unnecessary overhead gear that just gets in the way."

Written By Uncle Jon

• • The Myth: Drowning only happens in deep offshore water, so wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) in shallow or calm water is completely redundant.

  • The Fact: Water hazards aren't tied to depth. Cold water shock, sudden drops, strong undercurrents, getting knocked unconscious on a rock or boat gunwale, or sudden mechanical failures cause drownings in as little as two to three feet of water. An unconscious or incapacitated person cannot swim, regardless of how shallow the water is.

• The Breakdown: Stashing your PFD under a seat or skipping it because "the water is only waist-deep" is one of the most dangerous bad habits on the water. In a sudden capsize, high-speed impact, or swift-water sweep, you won't have time to locate, grab, and put on a vest.

• What You Should Do Instead: Wear a comfortable, properly fitted Type III or low-profile inflatable PFD anytime you are on or near the water—regardless of depth or how well you think you can swim.

- Uncle Jon

Disclaimer: Uncle Jon is a seasoned trail hound and grease-monkey, not a doctor, certified paramedic, or licensed engineer. The advice shared here comes from decades of getting stuck, breaking stuff, and making mistakes so you don't have to. Take everything you read with a grain of salt, a heavy dose of common sense, and a solid backup plan—because if you take medical or rigging advice strictly from an internet blog without doing your own homework, that’s on you!