Be sure and check your boating regulations. In some states having an inflatable vest does not qualify as life preserver unless you are wearing it. (The obvious question being, "if you aren't going to wear it why waste money on an inflatable?" ) Hate to say it, but one of my buddies' wife bought him one out of concern for his safety (age issue) and first thing he does when he gets in the boat is hang it over the seat.