Why is it important to don life jackets before heavy weather?

The importance of donning life jackets before heavy weather arises from the need to ensure safety in case of an emergency. In challenging weather conditions, the risk of capsizing, falling overboard, or encountering unexpected hazards increases dramatically. Wearing a life jacket prepares individuals for such unforeseen incidents, providing buoyancy and keeping them afloat if they end up in the water.

Life jackets are designed to enhance a person's chances of survival in turbulent conditions, ensuring they remain safe until help arrives or they can return to the vessel. Unlike the other potential considerations, like warmth or regulatory compliance, which are also relevant but secondary in urgency, the primary focus should be on immediate safety, making it crucial to have life jackets secured before any adverse weather occurs.