MARION — The Marion Marine Resource Commission released information regarding how and when to safely wear a life jacket.

“Wearing a life jacket while on the water is crucial for ensuring safety and can be a life-saving decision in the event of an accident,” read a press release. “Life jackets provide essential buoyancy that helps keep individuals afloat, even if they are unconscious or exhausted.”

Buzzards Bay waters are often rough with strong currents which can result in sudden capsizing or other unexpected situations, according to the Marion Marine Resource Commission.

Life jackets are also designed to keep a head above the water and are typically made in bright colors to be easily visible.

According to the Marion Marine Resource Commission, there are five rules regarding the usage of life jackets in Massachusetts.

The first rule states that children under 12 years old must wear a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times while on a vessel unless they are in an enclosed cabin.

According to the safety material, the second rule states that anybody riding on a personal watercraft, such as a jetski, must be wearing an approved life jacket at all times.

“Anyone being towed behind a vessel, such as water-skiing or tubing, must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket,” read the third rule in the material.

Boaters and people inside of canoes or kayaks must wear life jackets between Sept. 15 and May 15 due to colder water temperatures which could cause hypothermia, read the release.

Finally, there must be a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket readily accessible
for each person on board any vessel at all times, regardless of the vessel type or time of
year.

“It’s essential to ensure that life jackets are in good condition, appropriately sized for the wearer,
and suitable for the type of boating activity,” said the Marion Marine Resource Commission.