The vast majority of sportsmen who have died in boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket and were on boats less than 16 feet long. Compared with the general boating fatality population, sportsmen were far more likely to have not worn a life jacket than all other boaters - a difference that might have saved their lives. Consider these statistics:

One out of three people (34%) who died on the water did so while fishing, hunting or on the way to fish and hunt.
47% of sportsmen did not even have a life jacket on board.
70% of hunters who died in boating accidents fell overboard as a result of their boat being improperly loaded, or due to moving around the boat unsafely
According to the National Rifle Association , more hunters die each year from water-related accidents than from gunshot wounds.
Boats under 16 feet often have flat bottoms or semi-v hulls and are known for their instability. It’s no surprise then that 50% of hunting and fishing accidents on the water are boats capsizing, with falls overboard flooding and swamping as the other primary types of accidents. Hunters and anglers should take precautions in small boats, like correctly loading the boat and using caution while moving about the boat and landing fish or fowl. Above all, a sportsman should wear his life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard and your state boating agency can provide additional helpful boating safety rules and practices for your area.

For sure. I am a lot more relaxed when I wear a life jacket. Good post Skeeter

I worked more than my share of fatalities when I worked in a boat. Things can go to s#!t in a hurry. I was in a wreck once when the pin in the outboard's drag link sheared off and the boat spun out. All three of us were thrown out and got prop chopped. In my boat everybody wears a PFD at anything above idle speed. If you don't want to put it on you can get out and walk back.

Interesting posts, and a good reminder to wear your vest and kill switch.

comment not needed, move along

I always wear a jacket while I'm running... Always... I fish 5-6 days a week and am on the pontoon the other days... Never wear a jacket on the pontoon unless I'm water skiing... Fell out of a boat 3 times in my life and each time I was in knee deep water... Dan