Who must wear a life jacket on a Personal Watercraft (PWC)?

The correct answer is that everyone on board a Personal Watercraft (PWC) must wear a life jacket. This requirement is in place to enhance safety for all individuals on the PWC, as the risk of capsizing or falling off is higher than in some other types of watercraft. Wearing a life jacket ensures that all passengers have a higher chance of survival in the event of an accident or unexpected situation on the water. Life jackets are designed to keep individuals afloat, providing critical buoyancy even if they are unconscious or incapacitated.

Additionally, safety regulations suggest that life jackets must be worn at all times while operating a PWC, given the nature of their use, which often involves high speeds and maneuvering close to other boats or obstacles. This helps in preventing drowning, which is a common cause of fatalities in water-related accidents. While some may think that only certain individuals should wear life jackets based on age or role (such as passengers or children), the best practice and regulation is to ensure that everyone on board is protected.