To ensure a personal flotation device (PFD) is legal, what three conditions must it meet?

The correct answer emphasizes three crucial conditions that a personal flotation device (PFD) must fulfill to be considered legal for use. First, being U.S. Coast Guard approved means that the PFD meets specific safety standards set by an authoritative body. This approval ensures that the device has undergone testing and is deemed reliable for use in emergencies.

Second, the PFD must be in good condition, which means it should be free of any damage, holes, or excessive wear. A compromised PFD could fail to function correctly when needed, posing a risk to the wearer’s safety.

Finally, readily accessible indicates that the PFD should be easy to reach and put on in the event of an emergency. If a flotation device is stored in a way that makes it difficult to access quickly, its effectiveness during a crisis is significantly diminished.

These criteria are in place to enhance safety on the water, ensuring that boaters have reliable and effective flotation devices available at all times.