What should you do with a torn life jacket?

A torn life jacket should be discarded and replaced because it can no longer provide the necessary protection and buoyancy in the event of an emergency. Life jackets are critical safety equipment, and their integrity is vital for ensuring that they will perform as intended. Any compromise, such as a tear or hole, can significantly affect the life jacket's effectiveness, potentially putting a person's life at risk.

Choosing to patch or repair a life jacket may give a false sense of security, as it may not restore its original strength and functionality. Storing it for future repairs may also lead to a situation where the life jacket is relied upon when it is no longer safe to do so. Giving a torn life jacket away can endanger someone else who might be unaware of its compromised state. Therefore, discarding and replacing a damaged life jacket is the safest course of action.