If You Wear Anything, Wear Your Life Jacket!

Life jackets save lives - and your life is worth saving!

Where cause of death was known, 81% of fatal boating accident victims drowned; 83% of those were not wearing a life jacket. Don’t be a statistic!

Don’t just carry it – wear it!

More than half of all recreational boating fatalities occur in calm water – these fatalities are close to shore, caused by drowning, and are preventable!

In most cases, these boaters had life jackets on board, but did not wear them.

The best type of life jacket is one that you’ll wear!

Life jackets are available in many shapes, sizes, styles, and colors! Made for every body type, men, women, children, and even pets!

Try It On For Size

Check the label to ensure it is the proper size for your size and weight.

Make sure it is properly fastened: buckle all buckles, zip all zippers!

Test for a safe and snug fit. The life jacket should not ride up over your chin or face.

Skydivers wear their parachutes…

Football players wear their helmets…

Drivers wear their seatbelts…

Responsible boaters wear life jackets!

Want to Learn More?

We are pleased to present a free online training program is brought to you through a partnership between the ACA and the U.S. Coast Guard – developed to meet national standards for paddlesports safety education.

Topics included:

Shopping for paddling equipment
Securing a boat to your vehicle
Trip Planning
Filing a Float Plan
On-water Group Management
Waterway Hazard Identification
Challenging Weather
Temperature Regulation & Self Care
Rescue Priorities & Protocol
And more!

NEW! We have three new mini-lessons about Kayak Fishing, Nautical Rules of the Road, and Rescues! Check them out!

Take the free courses and earn a certificate of completion!

Who We Are

The American Canoe Association was founded in 1880 and is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the broader paddling public by providing educational programs, supporting stewardship initiatives that affect paddlers, and offering competition opportunities to athletes of all abilities.

Our mission: We build inclusive paddling communities, support excellence and foster safety and stewardship through education, competition, and recreation.

Our vision: Engage millions of paddlers with safe and healthy opportunities for challenge, learning, service, and enjoyment.

The ACA has over 15,000 members and 300 paddling clubs and affiliated organizations. ACA members reside in all 50 states and over 35 countries worldwide.

The heart of the ACA is the people who paddle, cherish and protect the rivers, lakes, streams, bays and oceans of the United States and beyond.

Learn about our membership benefits and join the community!

Have a question? Contact us!