After some hesitation from the boat owner, we discovered the boat only had three adult size life vests. They were way too big for the children. The Coast Guard requires that a boat must carry at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board in addition to one or more throwable type for boats 16 feet or larger. All must be in good condition and should be properly fitted to the person who will wear it. The jackets should be easily accessible.
Boats can sink fast.
There may be no time to look around for a life jacket. Fitting one in the water is almost imposssible. This advice is good even if the water is calm not the case on that Sunday and you intend to boat near shore. Most drownings occur in inland waters within a few feet of safety. Most victims were not wearing life jackets even though they had them on board.